Surgery for lung cancer

This is a lung-sparing procedure where only a small part of the lung — either a wedge-shaped section or a full segment — is removed. It’s often recommended when the tumor is small and located in one area. This option is suitable for patients who have limited lung function or other health issues that make larger surgeries too risky. It’s less invasive and has a shorter recovery time.

A lobectomy removes an entire lobe of the lung and is the most common form of cancer surgery for non-small cell lung cancer. Each lung has sections called lobes, and removing a whole lobe helps ensure that all cancerous tissue is taken out. It provides a better chance of complete cancer removal compared to smaller resections. Patients usually regain normal activities within a few weeks post-surgery.

In some cases, the tumor is so large or centrally located that removing one whole lung becomes necessary. This surgery, known as pneumonectomy, is more complex and requires a longer recovery.

It may cause more noticeable changes in lung function, especially shortness of breath, but it’s sometimes the only way to completely remove the cancer.

A sleeve resection involves removing a portion of a lung lobe and part of the main airway (bronchus), then reconnecting the healthy ends. This allows the surgeon to avoid removing the entire lobe, which helps maintain better breathing capacity.

It’s typically chosen when the tumor affects the bronchus but hasn’t spread beyond it. This technique helps remove the cancerous area while saving as much lung as possible.

In robotic-assisted lung surgery, the surgeon operates a robotic system that offers enhanced precision and 3D imaging. It’s especially useful for tumors in difficult-to-access areas or when delicate movements are needed to preserve nearby lung tissue and nearby lymph nodes.

This technique allows for excellent outcomes with minimal trauma to the chest wall and muscles.

During lung cancer surgery, doctors often remove nearby lymph nodes to check if the cancer has spread. This step helps determine the type of lung cancer and the stage. Removing these nodes can prevent further spread and improve survival.

Although it’s not a standalone treatment, it is a critical part of most lung cancer surgeries, especially in early stage lung cancer cases where complete removal of affected tissues is key.

In certain advanced cases, the surgeon may need to remove parts of other structures along with parts of the lung, such as the chest wall or blood vessels. After removing the cancer, reconstruction may be done to restore normal function. This complex form of surgery for lung cancer is less common but may offer hope to patients with tumors close to major organs or arteries.

It often involves a team approach and may include robotic-assisted or video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery to minimize impact.