About Lung Surgery
Lung surgery is generally performed to repair damaged lung tissue or remove significantly damaged or diseased areas. This surgery can treat various lung conditions, such as lung cancer, COPD, bronchiectasis, and more. Some common reasons to have lung surgery are:
Remove a blood clot
Remove a cancerous tumor
Remove damaged or diseased lung tissue
Remove an entire lung
Remove fluid build-up in the chest cavity
Repair collapsed lung tissue
Replace damaged lungs with healthy donor lungs
What is Lung Surgery?
Lung surgery, also known as thoracic surgery, is a medical procedure performed to treat various conditions affecting the lungs, which are vital organs in the respiratory system. These conditions may include lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, tuberculosis, and other lung diseases or injuries.
The type of lung surgery performed depends on the specific condition of the patient. For instance, a lobectomy involves the removal of one lobe of the lung, while a pneumonectomy involves the removal of an entire lung. In some cases, a segmentectomy or wedge resection, which involves the removal of a part of a lobe, may be performed.
Lung surgery can be performed through different methods. Traditional open surgery involves making a large incision in the chest, while minimally invasive procedures such as video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) or robotic-assisted thoracic surgery (RATS) involve making smaller incisions and using special instruments guided by a camera.
The choice of surgical method depends on several factors, including the patient's overall health, the type and stage of the disease, and the surgeon's expertise. Regardless of the method, lung surgery is a major operation that carries risks, including infection, bleeding, and complications from anesthesia.
Recovery from lung surgery can take weeks or months and involves pain management, breathing exercises, and a gradual return to normal activities. Despite the challenges, lung surgery can significantly improve a patient's quality of life, particularly when conditions such as lung cancer are diagnosed and treated early.
Why Lung Surgery Performed?
Lung surgery is performed for a variety of reasons, all with the ultimate goal of improving a patient's health and quality of life.
One of the primary reasons for lung surgery is to treat lung cancer, which is one of the most common types of cancer worldwide. Surgery can be used to remove a tumor and the surrounding tissue, or in more severe cases, an entire lung. This can be curative if the cancer is localized and has not spread to other parts of the body.
In addition to cancer, lung surgery can also be performed to treat other lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, tuberculosis, and cystic fibrosis. These conditions can cause significant impairment to a person's ability to breathe and function normally, and surgery can often provide relief from symptoms and improve lung function.
Lung surgery can also be necessary to treat injuries to the lungs. For example, a traumatic injury can cause a pneumothorax, or collapsed lung, which may require surgery to repair. Similarly, surgery may be needed to remove foreign objects from the lungs or to repair damage caused by an infection.
In some cases, lung surgery is performed as part of a lung transplant procedure. This is typically reserved for patients with severe, end-stage lung disease who have not responded to other treatments. A lung transplant can significantly extend a patient's life and improve their quality of life, but it also carries significant risks and requires lifelong management.
Finally, lung surgery can be used as a diagnostic tool. If a patient has unexplained symptoms or if other tests are inconclusive, a surgeon may perform a biopsy to remove a small piece of lung tissue for examination under a microscope. This can help to diagnose conditions such as interstitial lung disease or lung cancer.
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Life after lung surgery
If your lungs are non-cancerous, after a lobe or even an entire lung has been removed, you’ll be able to return to normal activities after some time. In case you also have another lung disease such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis (common among long-time smokers), you may experience shortness of breath with certain levels of activity after surgery.
Lung Surgery Procedure
Risks and benefits of Lung Surgery?
Lung surgery, like any major surgical procedure, carries both risks and benefits that must be carefully weighed before proceeding.
Benefits of Lung Surgery
Lung surgery can significantly improve a patient's quality of life, particularly in cases of lung cancer or severe lung disease. By removing tumors, damaged tissue, or even an entire lung, surgery can alleviate symptoms, improve lung function, and in some cases, potentially cure the disease. For patients with lung cancer, surgery can be a life-saving intervention if the cancer is localized and has not spread. In cases of severe, end-stage lung disease, a lung transplant can extend a patient's life and dramatically improve their ability to breathe and function.
Risks of Lung Surgery
Lung surgery also carries significant risks. As with any major surgery, there are risks associated with anesthesia, including allergic reactions or breathing problems. Post-surgical complications can include infection, bleeding, and blood clots. There is also the risk of pneumonia or other lung complications, particularly in patients who are already dealing with lung disease.
Specific to lung surgery, there is the risk of a change in lung function. This can be particularly challenging for patients who already have reduced lung function due to conditions like COPD or cystic fibrosis. Some patients may require supplemental oxygen after surgery, and others may notice a decrease in their exercise tolerance.
There is also the emotional and psychological impact of lung surgery to consider. Dealing with a serious illness like lung cancer can be emotionally draining, and the recovery process after surgery can be long and difficult. Patients may need support to deal with issues like pain, fatigue, and changes in their body image or sense of self.
Before and After Lung Surgery in Iran
In Iran, the process before and after lung surgery is comprehensive and patient-centric.
Before lung surgery, several steps are taken to ensure the patient is prepared for the procedure. The preparation often begins long before the surgery itself, depending on the waiting time for a transplant. The purpose of a lobectomy, a common type of lung surgery, is to remove a diseased or damaged portion of the lung, most often due to lung cancer. Patients are thoroughly evaluated to determine their eligibility for surgery. This includes preoperative counseling, nutritional screening, and smoking cessation. High-risk patients may undergo pre-habilitation, which involves physical, nutritional, and psychological preparation to enhance recovery after surgery.
On the day of the surgery, patients are advised to avoid fasting and preoperative sedatives. Instead, they may be given a carbohydrate-loading treatment to optimize their nutritional status. The surgical procedure itself can range from minimally invasive techniques to more complex procedures, depending on the patient's condition.
After the surgery, the focus shifts to recovery and rehabilitation. The average hospital stay is about 3 days, and recovery at home usually takes no more than 1 to 2 weeks. Key recommendations for enhanced recovery include pain management through opioid-sparing analgesia, nausea and vomiting control, euvolemic fluid management, and early mobilization.
Patients are also advised to avoid urinary catheters and are encouraged to remove chest drains early to facilitate recovery. The time it takes for a return to work depends on the type of work you do, the type of surgery you have, and how fast your body heals; typically, it is about 6-8 weeks after lung cancer surgery.
Lung Surgery in Iran
Equipped hospitals, clinics, and advanced specialized centers with experienced doctors and specialists are available in all medical treatment areas in Iran. Also, good hotels and entertainment centers have made Iran an appropriate choice for patients who are in need of lung surgery.
Lung Surgery Cost in Iran
Lung surgery, a critical component of lung cancer treatment, is a significant financial burden in Iran. The cost of lung surgery is not the only expense; other services such as radiotherapy and medication also contribute to the overall cost. It's important to note that not all patients receive all lines of services.
In addition to lung cancer surgeries, lung transplantation is another complex medical procedure performed in Iran. The cost of lung surgery in Iran is around 3000 USD.