Lung resections are surgical procedures performed to remove a segment/portion of the lung, a lobe or the entire
lung. This is often done to treat lung diseases such as cancer, tuberculosis, or severe infections. The extent and type
of lung resection depend on the location, size, and type of the lung pathology, as well as the patient's overall health.
They require careful preoperative assessment and postoperative care to optimise patient outcomes.
Depending on the location and extent of the disease, several types of lung resections can be performed:
Wedge Resection:This is the removal of a small, wedge-shaped portion of the lung containing the tumor
along with a margin of healthy tissue. It's typically performed when the tumor is small and located on the
lung's outer edges. Segmentectomy:This involves removing a larger portion of the lung, but less than a complete lobe. It's
often used for small, early-stage lung cancers and allows for more lung preservation compared to larger
resections. Lobectomy:The most common type of lung resection for lung cancer. It involves removing an entire lobe
of the lung (the right lung has three lobes, while the left lung has two). This procedure is often
recommended when cancer is confined to a single lobe. Pneumonectomy:This is the removal of an entire lung and is performed when the disease involves the
central part of the lung or has spread across multiple lobes. It's a more extensive surgery with greater risks
and longer recovery.
The choice of resection type is influenced by several factors, including the disease's characteristics, the patient's
lung function, and overall health. For instance, patients with limited lung function might only tolerate a wedge
resection, while those with better respiratory reserve may undergo lobectomy or pneumonectomy. Diagnostic tests
like CT scans, PET scans, and pulmonary function tests are crucial in planning the surgery.
Lung resection procedures can be performed through traditional open surgery (thoracotomy) or minimally invasive
techniques like video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) or robot-assisted surgery. Minimally invasive
techniques often lead to faster recovery, less pain, and shorter hospital stays, but they're not suitable for all patients
or types of lung disease.
Recovery after lung resection varies. It involves pain management, breathing exercises, and gradual return to normal
routine activity. Complications can include bleeding, infection, and prolonged air leaks. Long-term outcomes depend
on the underlying reason for the surgery, such as the stage of lung cancer if that's the indication for resection.