Lung Resection
Alternate Names : Lobectomy, Pneumonectomy, Wedge Resection, Removal of Lung Tissue
A lung resection is a surgical procedure to remove a portion of the lung or the whole
lung.
Who is a candidate for the procedure?
A lung resection is usually performed on a person with a diseased or damaged lung.
Reasons for lung resection include:
cancer of the lung
tumors of the lung
lung conditions that cause secondary disease, such as dilated bronchi, or tubes
leading to the lungs, known as
bronchiectasis
lung disease, such as emphysema
lung infection, such as tuberculosis
lung abscess, or pus pocket
atelectasis, or a collapsed
lung
How is the procedure performed?
Lung resection is performed under
general anesthesia, meaning the person is put to sleep with medication. To perform a lung
resection, the surgeon makes an incision in the chest. If necessary, a rib is removed from
the chest to gain better access to the diseased part of the lung. The lung is examined and
the area of concern, such as a tumor, is identified. The blood vessels that supply the area
to be removed are sutured, or tied off, and cut. The tumor or diseased area is then
removed. If cancerous tumors are removed, the lymph nodes near the lung and draining
the lung are also removed.
After removal of the diseased area, the muscles are
sutured and reconstructed where necessary. A
chest tube is left in place to remove fluid, blood, and air from
the lung and chest wall. The incision is closed with
sutures, clips, or staples.
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