Lung Surgery

It is surgery done to repair or remove lung tissue. There are many common lung surgeries, including:

• Biopsy of an unknown growth
• Lobectomy – to remove one or more lobes of a lung
• Lung transplant
• Pneumonectomy – to remove a lung
• Surgery to prevent the build-up or return of fluid to the chest, called pleurodesis
• Surgery to remove an infection in the chest cavity, in a condition called empyema
• Surgery to remove blood in the chest cavity, particularly after trauma
• Surgery to remove small balloon-like tissues (blebs) that cause lung collapse, particularly in pneumothorax
• Wedge resection – to remove part of a lobe in a lung

Yes. Physiotherapy is important and effective in preoperative, perioperative, postoperative and maintenance stages, to the recovery and well-being, regardless of the extent of surgical approach.

In the preoperative phase, the main goals are to avoid postoperative pulmonary complications and reduce the length of hospital stay, and the therapeutic targets are respiratory muscle training, bronchial hygiene and exercise training.

For the perioperative period, breathing exercises for pulmonary expansion and bronchial hygiene, as well as early mobilization, postural correction and shoulder range of motion activities, are important.

In the postoperative phase, exercise training are maintained, and adoption of healthy life-style behaviours are encouraged.