Dr. Shilpa Gandhi | Leading Consultant Minimally Invasive Thoracic Surgeon In Nagpur
Meet Our Doctor
Dr. Shilpa Gandhi
MBBS, DNB General Surgery DNB Thoracic Surgery
Dr. Shilpa Gandhi is a trusted and experienced healthcare professional known for her compassionate care and expertise. Committed to delivering personalized treatments and improving patient well-being.
Pneumonectomy Surgery
Pneumonectomy Surgery is a major surgical procedure involving the removal of an entire lung. It is often performed to treat severe lung conditions such as lung cancer, infections, or trauma. While removing a lung is a significant intervention, it can be life-saving and offer patients a chance at improved health and longevity.
Pneumonectomy Surgery is a critical medical procedure where an entire lung is surgically removed. It is typically performed to treat severe lung diseases, most commonly lung cancer, where the disease is confined to one lung. Though it’s a major procedure, it can be life-saving and plays a pivotal role in eliminating diseased tissue, enhancing the patient’s overall survival and health.
What is Pneumonectomy Surgery?
Pneumonectomy Surgery is the surgical removal of one lung. The human body has two lungs: the right lung (which has three lobes) and the left lung (which has two lobes). When one lung is severely affected by disease or damage, removing it entirely can prevent the spread of disease and improve the patient’s overall health prospects.
Unlike procedures like lobectomy, where only a portion of the lung is removed, pneumonectomy is a more extensive surgery, reserved for cases where other treatments or surgeries are not sufficient.
Why is Pneumonectomy Surgery Performed?
1. Lung Cancer
- The most common reason for Pneumonectomy Surgery is to treat non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that has spread throughout one lung but has not metastasized to other parts of the body.
- By removing the affected lung, surgeons aim to prevent the cancer from spreading and improve survival rates.
2. Severe Lung Infections
- Chronic and severe infections, such as tuberculosis or fungal infections, can cause irreversible lung damage. When these infections are confined to one lung, the pneumonectomy may be required.
3. Trauma or Injury
- In cases of severe trauma to the chest, where one lung is irreparably damaged, a pneumonectomy may be the only viable option to save the patient’s life.
4. Congenital Lung Disorders
- Rarely, congenital abnormalities or deformities in the lung may require complete removal to improve breathing and quality of life.
5. Mesothelioma or Other Lung Diseases
- For diseases like mesothelioma (cancer caused by asbestos exposure) or severe emphysema, pneumonectomy may be considered to improve survival or reduce symptoms.
Types of Pneumonectomy Surgery
There are two main types of Pneumonectomy Surgery, depending on the complexity of the condition:
1. Standard Pneumonectomy
- In this procedure, the entire lung is removed.
- This is typically performed for cases of localized cancer or severe infection.
2. Extrapleural Pneumonectomy (EPP)
- A more complex procedure that removes not only the lung but also parts of the surrounding structures, such as the pleura (lining of the lung), diaphragm, and pericardium (lining of the heart).
- Usually performed for advanced mesothelioma or other aggressive cancers.
The Pneumonectomy Surgery Process
Pre-Surgery Preparation
Imaging Tests:
- CT scans, PET scans, and chest X-rays are conducted to assess the extent of disease and ensure it is confined to one lung.
Pulmonary Function Tests (PFT):
- These tests evaluate the patient’s remaining lung capacity to ensure they can survive with one lung.
Smoking Cessation:
- Patients are required to stop smoking before surgery to reduce complications and promote healing.
Medical Evaluation:
- A complete health assessment is done to determine if the patient is a good candidate for surgery.
Benefits of Pneumonectomy Surgery
Despite being a major surgery, Pneumonectomy Surgery offers significant benefits for eligible patients:
Elimination of Disease
- Removes cancerous or severely diseased tissue, preventing the spread of disease.
Improved Quality of Life
- While living with one lung requires adjustments, many patients experience improved breathing and reduced symptoms over time.
Life-Saving Treatment
- For conditions like lung cancer or severe infections, a pneumonectomy can be the difference between life and death.
Prevention of Complications
- Prevents further damage to the body by removing the source of infection or disease.
Risks and Complications
As with any major surgery, Pneumonectomy Surgery comes with risks, including:
- Bleeding: Due to the highly vascular nature of the lungs.
- Infections: Risk of pneumonia or surgical site infection.
- Empyema: Accumulation of infected fluid in the chest cavity.
- Heart Strain: The heart may need to adjust to the removal of one lung.
- Breathing Challenges: Adapting to life with one lung can initially cause shortness of breath.
Conclusion
Pneumonectomy Surgery is a vital procedure for patients with severe lung conditions like cancer, infections, or trauma. While it’s a major operation, advancements in surgical techniques and post-operative care have made it safer and more effective.
If you or a loved one has been recommended for a pneumonectomy, consult with a skilled thoracic surgeon to discuss your options, prepare for surgery, and plan for recovery. With the right care, this surgery can be a life-saving step toward better health and quality of life.