What to Expect Before Lung Surgery

If you are seeing a thoracic surgeon it is likely you have been diagnosed with a disease of the chest that may be amenable to surgical intervention. There are many different kinds of chest and lung surgeries performed by a thoracic (or cardiothoracic) surgeon. Some conditions include lung cancer, chest tumors, chest infections, and pneumothorax (collapse of the lung).

At your initial office visit the surgeon will review the studies which have been performed and talk to you about your condition. She may order more studies or discuss with you proceeding with surgery. There are common studies which need to be performed before a lung surgery is performed. These studies may include: chest X ray, CT scan, PET scan, and pulmonary function testing.

The surgeon will describe to you what the operation entails, and its major risks and benefits. Most lung surgeries require a stay in the hospital of several days. There will be one or more tubes draining fluid or air from the chest cavity. These tubes (chest tubes) will exit the side between your ribs and drain to a special box called a pleurevac. Most patients will remain in the hospital while these tubes are in place.

Your thoracic surgeon will discuss your physical ability to recover from lung surgery and discuss your medications. Several medications such as all blood thinners and herbal medications that can act as blood thinners must be stopped before surgery. Your doctor will also ask you to refrain from drinking alcohol or smoking.

You will likely be given an appointment for pre anesthesia testing. The pre anesthesia testing center at each hospital will further go over day of surgery and pre-operative instructions and be in communication with your doctor. It is important not to eat or drink anything before surgery. This usually means nothing after midnight the night before your surgery. Making sure your stomach is empty helps protect your lungs from aspiration.

It is a good idea to make arrangements for who will help you after you return home from the hospital. Although you will be able to do many things you may be sore and it is helpful to have another person nearby.

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