Lung Cancer Surgery Questions and Answers
The most effective treatment method in early-stage lung cancer is surgical removal of the tumorous lung tissue. However, not every lung cancer patient is suitable for surgery. Below you can find questions and answers about lung cancer surgeries.
When is Surgery Applied in Lung Cancer?
Surgery can be performed in a patient with lung cancer if all of the following 3 conditions are present.
1. The cancer has not spread (metastasized) to other organs
2. All of the cancer is removable
3. In cases where the patient’s cardiac and respiratory functions are suitable
Which Surgical Methods Are There in Lung Cancer?
There are two methods. Closed surgeries have become widespread all over the world.
1. Open Surgery – thoracotomy
2. Closed Surgery
Which surgical method is recommended in lung cancer?
In the Lung Cancer Treatment Guidelines of the American Chest Diseases Association, it is emphasized that closed surgery should be preferred to open surgery in lung cancer.
The preferred operation in lung cancer is the removal of the cancerous lobe (lobectomy).
However, in cases where the cancer is located on the main windpipe or a main vein, it may be necessary to remove the entire right or left lung (pneumonectomy).
In an operation called segmentectomy, a much smaller portion of the lung is removed. This is generally preferred in patients with limited respiratory function.
In lung cancer surgery, after the cancerous lung is removed, the existing lymph nodes must also be removed. At least 10 lymph nodes should be removed from at least 4 separate lymph node stations and sent for pathology examination.
How is the Closed Lung Surgery Method Applied?
Images taken with the help of a 1cm wide camera advanced into the chest cavity are projected onto the screens.
The surgeon removes the tumor lung tissue and lymph nodes through a 4 cm incision made by taking them into a special bag (endobag) without opening the chest cage of the patient.
How Many Hours Does the Surgery Take?
The time varies according to the surgeon’s experience and the location of the tumor. Our average operation time is 2 hours.
Who Is In The Surgery Team?
The surgery is performed by a senior thoracic surgeon. It is assisted by 1 or 2 specialist thoracic surgeons and a nurse.
What are the Risks of Lung Cancer Surgery?
The risks of lung cancer surgery have decreased significantly over the years. However, as with all other surgical procedures, there are risks during and after lung cancer surgery. The important thing is to know these risks beforehand and to take precautions.
First of all, surgery should not be performed in patients in the high-risk group with insufficient respiration or significant heart disease. Surgery should be preferred if the benefit to be provided is higher than the risks.
The risks in closed (VATS) lung cancer surgeries are lower than in open surgery. The following complications occur in approximately 15% of patients.
Lung cancer surgery risks:
- bleeding during surgery
- postoperative infection
- Respiratory Failure
- brain or heart vessel blockage (embolism)
- the need for long-term intensive care treatment
- chylothorax (flow of lymph fluid into the chest cavity)
- eyelid droop
- hoarseness
- prolonged drain
- ache
- other
Is Intensive Care Necessary After Surgery?
Most of the time, 1 night intensive care follow-up is required.
How Many Days Will You Stay in the Hospital After the Surgery?
The average hospital stay after closed surgeries is 4 or 5 nights.
When Can I Return To Normal Life After Surgery?
Patients who underwent closed surgery can return to normal life 1 week after leaving the hospital.
This period is about 3 weeks after open surgeries.
Is Postoperative Drug Treatment (Chemotherapy) or Radiation Therapy (Radiotherapy) Necessary?
These treatments are necessary in cases where the tumor diameter is greater than 5 cm or there is spread in the lymph nodes as a result of the pathology examination.
Questions & Answers
Questions and answers asked by patients and their relatives.