What Is a Lobectomy?

A lobectomy is a surgical procedure that removes a lobe of a lung. Your lungs have five lobes in total: three in the right lung and two in the left. This surgery is typically performed to treat lung cancer, but it can also be used for other lung conditions. During a lobectomy, the surgeon removes the affected lobe while leaving the healthy lung tissue intact. This procedure is a major operation that requires general anesthesia and a hospital stay.

The most common reason for a lobectomy is to treat lung cancer, particularly when the cancer is confined to one lobe. However, this surgery may also be recommended for other conditions, including severe COPD, tuberculosis, fungal infections, benign tumors, and trauma to the lung. Your doctor may suggest a lobectomy if other treatments haven't been effective or if the condition is likely to spread without surgical intervention.

There are two main approaches to performing a lobectomy: open thoracotomy, in which the surgeon makes a large incision in the chest and spreads the ribs to access the lung;  and video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), a minimally invasive technique using small incisions and a tiny camera. The choice between these methods depends on factors like the location of the lobe, the size of the area to be removed, and your overall health. VATS typically results in a shorter hospital stay and faster recovery.

Before the surgery, your doctor will conduct various tests to ensure you're healthy enough for the procedure. These may include chest X-rays or CT scans, breathing tests, blood tests, and electrocardiogram (EKG). You'll need to stop smoking if you're a smoker and may be advised to stop taking certain medications. Your doctor will provide specific instructions on eating and drinking before the surgery.

During the surgery, you'll be under general anesthesia. The surgeon will make the necessary incisions and carefully remove the affected lobe. They'll also remove nearby lymph nodes to check for cancer spread. The remaining lobes will expand to fill the space left by the removed lobe. The procedure typically takes two to three hours. After the surgery, you'll be moved to a recovery room for close monitoring as you wake up from the anesthesia.

A lobectomy can offer several benefits, particularly for people with lung cancer: 

• Removal of cancerous tissue
• Prevention of cancer spread
• Improved breathing in some cases
• Potential cure for early-stage lung cancer

For non-cancer conditions, a lobectomy can help relieve symptoms and improve overall lung function.

Like any major surgery, a lobectomy carries some risks. These include bleeding, infection, blood clots, pneumonia, air leaks from the lung, irregular heart rhythms, and pain at the incision site. Some people may experience shortness of breath after surgery.

Recovery from a lobectomy takes time. You'll likely stay in the hospital for five to seven days after the surgery. Once home, full recovery can take weeks to months. You'll need to do breathing exercises to help your lung expand and prevent pneumonia. Most people can return to normal activities within six to eight weeks.