Dr. Rajendra Umbarkar

Lung surgery is often performed to treat conditions such as lung cancer, severe infections, or damaged lung tissue. Two common types of lung resection procedures are lobectomy and pneumonectomy. A lobectomy involves the surgical removal of one lobe of the lung and is the most frequently performed procedure for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer. It allows for the removal of diseased tissue while preserving as much lung function as possible. A pneumonectomy, on the other hand, involves the removal of an entire lung and is typically reserved for more extensive disease when a lobectomy is not sufficient.

These surgeries can be performed through open thoracotomy (traditional approach) or minimally invasive methods such as video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) or robot-assisted surgery, depending on the patient’s condition and the surgeon’s assessment. Postoperative care focuses on pain management, breathing exercises, and gradual rehabilitation to improve lung function. While pneumonectomy involves a greater impact on breathing capacity, most patients adapt over time. Lung surgery plays a vital role in treating life-threatening conditions and can significantly improve prognosis and quality of life when performed in a timely manner.