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Lung surgery - Recovery

Alternative Names

Thoracotomy; Lung tissue removal; Pneumonectomy; Lobectomy; Lung biopsy; Thoracoscopy

Expectations after surgery:

The outcome depends on the type and severity of the problem, but many patients recover nicely.

Convalescence:

Hospital stay is usually 7 - 10 days. Deep breathing is important to help prevent pneumonia and infection and to re-expand the lung. The chest tube remains in place until the lung has fully expanded.

Pain is managed with medication. Most people recover fully by 1 - 3 months after the operation.

Pulmonary lobectomy - series

Reviewed last on: 5/15/2008
Robert A. Cowles, MD, Assistant Professor of Surgery, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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