Your lungs allow you to breathe.
Breathing in gives your body oxygen.
Breathing out moves waste products, like carbon dioxide, out of your body.
Both of your lungs are made of lobes.
And each lobe is made up of segments.
When lung tissue is damaged or diseased, it may be removed during surgery.
There are four main types of lung surgery.
A wedge resection removes a smaller, wedge-shaped portion of the lung.
A segmentectomy removes one or more segments of the lung.
A lobectomy removes a lobe of the lung.
And a pneumonectomy removes an entire lung.
No matter which type of surgery you're having, they are often done in a similar way.
First, you'll get medicine to make you sleep.
Then the doctor makes small cuts, called incisions, in the side of the chest.
The diseased tissue may be removed, and the cuts are closed with stitches, staples, or tape.
In some cases, the doctor will make one larger cut in the side of the chest.
The doctor may remove the diseased parts of the lung, and then close the cut with stitches or staples.
You'll need to stay in the hospital after surgery.
You may have one or more tubes coming out of your chest to drain fluids and air.
How long you stay in the hospital depends on the type of surgery.
Before the surgery, tell your doctor about all the medicines and natural health products you take, especially blood thinners, including aspirin.
Some of these can increase the risk of bleeding or cause problems with anesthesia.
Follow your doctor’s instructions for how to get ready for the surgery, including what you can eat or drink and which medicines to take.
Bring your photo ID, insurance card, and any paperwork that your hospital may have asked for.
And remember, it may be painful or unsafe for you to drive after surgery.
Be sure to have someone help you get home.
Surgery can be stressful but knowing how to prepare and what to expect can help.
And if you have any questions or concerns, you can always contact your doctor.
