When the lungs get any sort of infection or illness, including tumors or cancer, it requires lobectomy surgery to remove a lobe of the lungs. The lung on the right side of the human body has three lobes; RUL, RML, and RLL. In case of infection to these lobes, the last resort for treatment is to remove that particular lobe. The left lung of the human body has two lobes; LUL and LLL. You must be wondering whether the removal of one lobe affects the functioning of the whole lung or not? The answer is no; the healthy part of the lung functions normally.
This surgical procedure is quite famous in which physicians cut the chest to access the lungs and other organs. Depending on your condition, surgery can be mild or severe. Due to the risk of illness or cancer spreading, both approaches remove adjacent lymph nodes along with the lobe. A video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is a less intrusive procedure sometimes utilized to perform a lobectomy. In this surgery, three or four minor cuts are used instead of one huge cut, and tiny instruments are inserted into the chest cavity. A thoracoscope is a light-up tube attached to a tiny camera that delivers images of the internal organs to a computer monitor. With the help of a camera, surgeons can locate the infected part and remove it easily.
Procedure of Lobectomy Surgery
The treatment of Lobectomy Surgery can differ depending on certain factors. It is primarily determined by the patient’s medical condition and the treatment recommended by the doctor. The following are a few treatment options frequently used by doctors:
- The patient will lie on the table after changing into a hospital gown. Afterward, the patient’s arm or hand will be inserted with an IV (intravenous) line and given antibiotics and anesthesia. This is a painkiller that allows you to sleep during the process. The patient will have a breathing tube inserted into his or her neck and connected to a breathing machine (ventilator). The patient’s heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration will be monitored during the procedure.
- A soft, flexible tube (catheter) may be inserted into the patient’s bladder to drain the urine during the process. Hair in the surgical area might be clipped, and the antiseptic solution will be used to clean the skin in the affected area. On the front of the patient’s chest, a cut (incision) will be made at the level of the lobe to be excised. The cut will wrap around your back and beneath the patient’s arm.
- When the ribs are visible, they will be stretched apart with a specific instrument and remove the affected lobe of the lung. A patient’s chest may be pierced with one or more tubes to assist in the removal of air and fluid after surgery. After that, stitches (sutures) or staples will be used to close the incision, and a bandage or dressing will be applied to the affected area.
- A tiny tube (epidural catheter) is inserted into the lower spine area to provide pain medication to your back.
Risk factor Of Lobectomy Surgery
Every process entails some level of risk. The following are some of the dangers associated with this procedure:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Lungs collapse (pneumothorax) due to the air-filled in the pleural space (the gap between the lung coverings)
- Air or fluid leaks into the chest through a tube-like gap between the airway (bronchus) and the pleural space (bronchopleural fistula)
- A pus-filled region (empyema) in the chest cavity
- Fluid between the lungs and the inner chest wall (pleural effusion)
Things to keep in mind before surgery
Do your research and ask a few things from your doctor.
Your doctor will explain the complete surgery procedure to the patient. For this, you must bring a family member or friend to help you take notes and ensure that all your questions are addressed. You may be asked to sign a consent form approving the procedure you need to perform. Please read the entire document carefully. If something is unclear, ask questions before signing. Also, conduct your research to remain less anxious during the surgery once you understand the technique.
Pregnancy test before Lobectomy Surgery
Most doctors check themselves if the patient is pregnant or not before surgery. If your doctor doesn’t conduct a pregnancy test due to any reason, you must check yourself and report your doctor accordingly. It is essential because surgery procedures might affect the patient’s health and pregnancy.
Sensitive to medicine
- You must tell the doctor if the patient is allergic or sensitive to pharmaceuticals, latex, tape, or anesthetic medicines (local and general).
- Moreover, you need to inform your doctor about any prescription or over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, herbs, or supplements you currently use for any other disease.
- If the patient has ever had a bleeding problem, discuss it with your doctor to take any preventive measures for it.
Follow your Doctor’s instructions for Lobectomy Surgery
For successful surgery procedure and early recovery from it, you need to follow your doctor’s instructions completely, such as;
- Avoid eating or drinking before the surgery.
- Don’t smoke before the surgery.
- Undergo blood testing or other tests or exams.
- Moreover, follow any other directions given to you by your healthcare practitioner.
Stay calm to make Lobectomy Surgery successfull
- The key to successful treatment, specifically surgery, is to stay calm.
- Take your loved ones to the hospital with you to get the feel of security.
- Don’t drive yourself; keep someone with you to whom you can talk and share your difficult but important part of life.
- Keep in mind that this surgery is important for your health and life.
You’re already aware of the dangers and advantages of the test or procedure, and you’ve decided to go forward with it since it’s the best decision for you. So keep yourself calm and be sure of your decision.
References:
- https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-procedures-and-tests/lobectomy retrieved on May 02, 2022.
- https://www.google.com.pk/amp/s/www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/lobectomy%3famp=true retrieved on May 02, 2022.
- https://www.webmd.com/lung-cancer/lobectomy-lung-surgery retrieved on May 02, 2022.
