We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Procedures

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is a Lobectomy of the Lung?

By M. Black
Updated: Mar 03, 2024
Views: 10,163
Share

A lobectomy of the lung is lung surgery that involves the removal of a diseased lobe of the lung. Lung lobectomy is the preferred treatment for patients with early stage non-small cell lung cancer. Removing the affected lobe helps to prevent the spread and recurrence of the cancer, but it cannot guarantee that the cancer will not return. Recovery depends on such factors as the location of the tumor, the extensiveness of the surgery, and the age and overall health of the patient, as well as participation in therapy.

Human lungs contain several distinct parts, or "lobes." The right lung has five lobes, and the left lung has two. When cancer invades a lobe, early detection and removal of the infected part is the most effective way to discourage metastasis, or spread of the cancer.

Lung function is affected by lung lobectomy, but the lungs do continue to function. To some degree, the surviving lobes are able to compensate. Patients can even function after removal of a whole lung, called a pneumonectomy, but lobectomy survival and recovery rates are better.

During a lobectomy of the lung, the patient is placed on his or her side, and the surgeon makes an extensive incision. Surgical instruments are used to divide the muscles and spread the ribs wide apart to provide access to the lung. The surgeon removes the diseased lobe and then sutures or staples the affected blood vessels and bronchial tube. Then tubes are placed to drain leaking air and fluids out of the chest cavity and prevent lung collapse. The ribs and muscle layers are returned to position and fastened in place, and the overlying tissue is reconnected. The wound is bandaged, and the patient is sent to recovery.

Recovering from lobectomy of the lung can be a long and difficult process. Patients must recover from the trauma to ribs and muscles and learn to compensate for reduced lung capacity. Therapy helps patients manage pain, recover range of motion, and increase lung capacity. This therapy can continue for months after the lung surgery. Recovery can be hampered by the extensiveness of surgery, the patient's age and condition, and the failure to participate in therapy.

Alternatives to a lobectomy of the lung include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and wedge resection — removal of only the tumor and a small area around it. Lung lobectomy is generally more effective, however. It is recommended when a tumor is operable and the patient's age and health level are acceptable for surgery.

Share
The Health Board is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.thehealthboard.com/what-is-a-lobectomy-of-the-lung.htm
Copy this link
The Health Board, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

The Health Board, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.