Lung Cancer Surgery

Surgical planning depends on the stage of the tumor. Wedge Resection, where only a small part containing the tumor is removed; Lobectomy, where one lobe of the lung (there are 3 lobes on the right and 2 on the left) is completely removed; or Pneumonectomy, where an entire lung is removed if the tumor is very central, can be performed.

In open surgery, the procedure is performed by opening a wide space between the ribs, which leads to more post-operative pain. Closed surgery (VATS) is performed by entering with a camera through 2-3 small holes. In closed surgery, the patient's recovery, discharge, and resumption of normal breathing are much faster.

Cancer cells tend to spread primarily to regional lymph nodes. While the surgeon removes the cancerous lobe during surgery, they also clear the surrounding mediastinal lymph nodes. This is an indispensable rule of surgery both to determine the definitive stage of the disease and to reduce the risk of recurrence.

The patient's lung capacity is already measured with Pulmonary Function Tests (PFT) prior to surgery. The amount of tissue to be removed is calculated so that the patient will not remain dependent on an oxygen device after surgery. Although mild shortness of breath may be felt initially, over time, the remaining lung tissue expands (compensation) to cover this deficit.