Lung surgery

Alternative names:

lobectomy; lung tissue removal; pneumonectomy; thoracotomy

Expectations after surgery:

The outcome depends on the type and severity of the problem but many patients recover nicely.

Convalescence:

Hospital stay is usually 7 to 10 days. Deep breathing is important to help prevent pneumonia, infection, and re-expand the lung. The chest tube remains in place until the lung has fully re-expanded. Pain is managed with medications. The patient recovers fully in 1 to 3 months after the operation.