One of the most common types of lung surgery is a lobectomy, where a surgeon removes an entire lobe of the lung. The human lungs are divided into lobes, with the right lung having three and the left lung having two. Lobectomy is typically performed to treat early-stage lung cancer that is confined to one lobe. By removing the affected lobe, surgeons aim to eliminate the cancerous tissue and reduce the risk of cancer spread. This procedure can also be used to treat other conditions like severe infections or benign tumors within a specific lobe.
A bullectomy is a surgical procedure aimed at improving lung function by removing large air-filled spaces known as bullae from the lungs. These bullae often form due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or emphysema and can compress healthy lung tissue, making breathing difficult.
Decortication is a surgical procedure aimed at removing the fibrous layer (pleura) from the surface of the lung, chest wall, and diaphragm. This fibrous layer can develop as a result of chronic infections, such as empyema, or conditions like pleural thickening, which restrict lung expansion and impair breathing.
A lung wedge resection is a surgical procedure used to remove a small, wedge-shaped portion of the lung that contains diseased or damaged tissue. This minimally invasive surgery is typically performed to treat early-stage lung cancer, benign lung nodules, or areas of infection and inflammation.
A pneumonectomy is a more extensive surgical procedure that involves the removal of an entire lung. This is generally reserved for more advanced cases of lung cancer where the disease has spread throughout the lung but has not yet metastasized to other organs. Although removing an entire lung is a more drastic measure, it can be life-saving by completely removing the cancerous tissue.
Segmentectomy and wedge resection are less extensive than lobectomy and involve removing smaller portions of lung tissue. These procedures are often chosen when the diseased tissue is localized to a small area, allowing for the preservation of healthier lung tissue. Segmentectomy removes a larger segment of the lung, while wedge resection removes a small, wedge-shaped piece. Both procedures aim to treat early-stage cancers or non-cancerous conditions with minimal impact on overall lung function.
Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) is a minimally invasive technique that uses small incisions and a thoracoscope—a long, thin tube with a camera and surgical instruments attached. VATS can be used for lobectomy, wedge resection, and other procedures. The benefits of VATS include less postoperative pain, shorter hospital stays, and quicker recovery times compared to traditional open surgery.
Robotic-Assisted Thoracic Surgery is another minimally invasive option that utilizes robotic technology to enhance the precision and control of the surgeon. This method allows for complex procedures to be performed through small incisions, further reducing recovery time and improving outcomes.
Sleeve resection is a specialized procedure used to treat lung cancer that involves the airways. This surgery removes a section of the bronchus (airway) and the affected lung tissue, then reconnects the remaining ends. It’s a lung-sparing procedure that avoids the need for a pneumonectomy.
Thoracotomy is a traditional open surgery that involves making a large incision in the chest to access the lungs. This approach is often used when more extensive surgery is required or when minimally invasive techniques are not suitable.
