Lobectomy (Lung Lobe Removal)

What Is a Lobectomy?

A lobectomy is a major chest surgery that removes one of the lung's lobes (3 on the right side, 2 on the left). The procedure aims to eliminate tumors while preserving healthy lung tissue. It typically lasts 2-4 hours and may involve partial rib removal in open surgery approaches.

Three surgical approaches are available:

• VATS (Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery): Minimally invasive with small incisions and camera guidance; currently the most common approach.
• Robotic Lobectomy: Similar to VATS with robotic instruments for enhanced precision.
• Open Thoracotomy: Traditional larger incision between ribs; used for complex cases.

Why It's Done

The primary indication is early-stage non-small cell lung cancers confined to a single lobe. Secondary reasons include:

• Localized lung infections
• Benign tumors
• Damaged lung segments affecting overall function

Risks & Complications

Overall complication rates range from 15-35%, with mortality around 1-3% for elective cases. Minimally invasive approaches show notably lower complication rates.

Specific risks include:

• Prolonged air leak: 8-15%
• Atrial fibrillation: 10-20%
• Pneumonia: 4-10%
• Bleeding requiring reoperation: 2-4%
• Respiratory failure/ventilator need: 2-5%
• Wound infection: 1-3%

Recovery Timeline

• Hospital stay: 3-5 days (chest tubes remain 1-3 days)
• Gentle activity: Within days
• Driving/desk work: 2-3 weeks
• Full recovery: 6-8 weeks (minimally invasive) or 8-12 weeks (open surgery)

Long-term: Most patients resume normal breathing for daily tasks.

Surgeon Specialists

Cardiothoracic (Thoracic) Surgeons perform lobectomy procedures. Outcomes are optimal at centers performing over 100 annual thoracic resections.