Lobectomy

What this procedure is

A lobectomy is a type of surgery where a surgeon removes one "lobe" of an organ. Most often, this refers to the lungs. Your right lung has three lobes, and your left lung has two. By removing just one lobe, your clinician can take out diseased tissue while leaving the healthy parts of the lung behind to help you breathe.

There are different ways this surgery can be done. Some people have a traditional surgery with a larger incision, while others may have a "minimally invasive" procedure. This uses smaller cuts and special tools, such as a tiny camera or a robotic system, to help the surgeon see and work inside the chest.

What it treats or fixes

This procedure is most commonly used to treat lung cancer, especially when the cancer is found early and is located in only one part of the lung. Removing the affected lobe can help prevent the cancer from spreading to other areas.

A lobectomy may also be used for other health issues, such as:

• Severe infections like tuberculosis or certain fungal infections that do not get better with medicine.
• Non-cancerous (benign) tumors that are causing symptoms or growing.
• Lung damage from conditions like emphysema, where a specific area of the lung is no longer working correctly.

How common it is & where it's done

Lobectomy is a standard surgical treatment for lung conditions. It is frequently used for treating early-stage lung cancer because it is effective at removing the disease while preserving as much lung function as possible.

This surgery is performed in a hospital setting. It is usually done by a thoracic surgeon—a doctor who specializes in operations on the chest and lungs. Most patients stay in the hospital for a few days after the procedure so the medical team can monitor their recovery and help them manage any discomfort.

Recovery: What to Expect

After a lobectomy (surgery to remove one lobe of the lung), you will likely stay in the hospital for 2 to 7 days. During this time, your care team will help you manage pain and start moving again. You will likely have a chest tube, which is a small tube that drains fluid and air from around your lung. This is usually removed before you go home.

Your clinician may ask you to use a device called an incentive spirometer. This helps you take deep breaths to keep your lungs clear. Walking shortly after surgery is also very important to help your blood flow and prevent complications like pneumonia.

Once you are home, it is normal to feel tired for a few weeks. You should avoid heavy lifting and follow your clinician's specific instructions for wound care and activity levels.

Risks & Possible Complications

Like any major surgery, a lobectomy has some risks. Your surgical team takes many steps to keep you safe. Possible complications may include:

• Infection: Redness, swelling, or drainage at the incision site.
• Air leaks: When air escapes from the lung surface, which may mean the chest tube stays in a bit longer.
• Blood clots: These can sometimes form in the legs after surgery.
• Pneumonia: An infection in the lungs that can occur during recovery.

You should contact your clinician if you notice a high fever, sudden shortness of breath, or if your incision site looks red or feels warm to the touch. These are often manageable if caught early.

Outcomes & Long-Term Results

The goal of a lobectomy is to remove the affected part of the lung while leaving the healthy parts to function. Most people find that their remaining lung tissue expands and works well enough for them to return to their usual daily activities.

Long-term results depend on the reason for the surgery. Your clinician will schedule regular follow-up appointments and imaging tests to monitor your progress. Many patients lead full, active lives after they have fully recovered from the procedure.

Emotional Support & Reassurance

It is completely normal to feel a range of emotions, from anxiety before surgery to fatigue during recovery. Remember that a lobectomy is a common and well-established procedure. Your medical team is there to support you every step of the way.

Connecting with others can also help. You might find it useful to talk with family, friends, or a support group for people who have had lung surgery. Taking things one day at a time and celebrating small milestones in your recovery can make a big difference in how you feel.

Why doctors recommend it

A lobectomy is a surgery to remove one of the sections (called lobes) of your lung. Your clinician may recommend this if a health problem is found in only one part of the lung. The most common reason for this procedure is early-stage lung cancer. By removing just the affected lobe, the surgeon can often take out the entire tumor while leaving the rest of the healthy lung tissue behind.

Other reasons your clinician may suggest this surgery include:

• Chronic infections: Conditions like tuberculosis or severe fungal infections that do not get better with medicine.
• Lung abscess: A pocket of infection that will not heal on its own.
• Benign tumors: Non-cancerous growths that may be blocking an airway or causing other symptoms.
• Emphysema: A condition where damaged air sacs make it very difficult to breathe.

Urgent vs planned treatment

In most cases, a lobectomy is a planned procedure. This means you and your healthcare team have time to perform tests, such as imaging or breathing tests, to make sure surgery is the right choice for you. You will usually have several weeks to prepare and discuss the benefits and risks with your clinician.

Urgent surgery is much less common. It may be needed if there is a sudden, serious problem like a major injury to the chest or severe bleeding in the lung that cannot be stopped in other ways. In these rare cases, the surgery is done quickly to protect your health and stabilize your breathing.

Goals of treatment

The main goal of a lobectomy is to remove the diseased part of the lung to help you get healthy again. For patients with cancer, the goal is often to remove the tumor completely to prevent it from spreading to other parts of the body. This is often considered an effective treatment for cancer that is caught early and stays within one lobe.

Other goals of the procedure include:

• Stopping the spread of a serious infection to the rest of the lung or body.
• Improving your ability to breathe by removing tissue that is damaged or blocking your airways.
• Preventing future lung problems by taking out tissue that is permanently scarred or diseased.

Success usually means the diseased tissue has been removed, and the remaining parts of your lung can still work well enough for you to stay active and breathe comfortably.

Who may benefit

A lobectomy is a surgery to remove one of the lobes (sections) of your lung. This is often recommended for people with early-stage lung cancer. By removing the entire lobe where the tumor is located, doctors aim to remove all the cancer cells in that area to prevent the disease from spreading.

This surgery may also help people with certain non-cancerous conditions. This includes severe infections like tuberculosis or a lung abscess (a pocket of infection) that does not get better with medicine. It can also be used for benign (non-cancerous) tumors or to treat damage from a physical injury to the chest.

When it may not be the right option

Your clinician may decide that a lobectomy is not the best choice if your overall health makes surgery risky. For example, if you have severe heart disease or very weak lungs, your body might have trouble handling the procedure or breathing well with less lung tissue afterward.

If lung cancer has already spread to other parts of the body or to both lungs, surgery on a single lobe may not be the most effective treatment. In these cases, your care team might suggest other options like radiation or chemotherapy instead. Doctors will often perform tests to check your lung strength and heart health before deciding if this surgery is safe for you.

Questions to ask your care team

It is helpful to bring a list of questions to your appointment to help you feel more prepared. You might consider asking:

• Why is a lobectomy the best option for my specific condition?
• Will this surgery be done through a large incision or using smaller "keyhole" openings?
• How will this surgery affect my breathing and daily activities in the long run?
• What is the expected recovery time in the hospital and at home?
• Are there other treatments we should consider before deciding on surgery?
• Will I need to use supplemental oxygen after the procedure?

In the procedure room

When you are taken into the operating room, the surgical team will help you get comfortable on the procedure table. The room is kept very clean and may feel cool. You will meet the nurses, doctors, and specialists who will stay with you the entire time.

The team will place several small sensors on your skin to track your vitals. They will also start an IV (intravenous) line in your arm to give you fluids and medicine during the surgery.

High-level steps

The surgeon's goal is to remove one lobe, which is a specific section of the lung. Depending on your needs, your clinician may use one of these methods:

• Thoracotomy: A single incision (cut) is made on the side of the chest between the ribs.
• VATS or Robotic Surgery: Several small incisions are made, and the surgeon uses a tiny camera and specialized tools to perform the surgery.

Once the lobe is removed, the surgeon may also take out nearby lymph nodes to be tested. Before finishing, a thin tube called a chest tube is usually placed in the chest. This tube helps drain any extra fluid or air and allows the remaining lung to expand properly as you heal.

Anesthesia and pain control

You will be given general anesthesia, which is medicine that puts you into a deep sleep. You will not feel any pain or be aware of the surgery while it is happening. A breathing tube will be used to help you breathe while you are asleep.

To help with comfort after you wake up, your clinician may use a nerve block or an epidural. These methods provide numbing medicine to the chest area to help manage soreness in the first few days after the procedure.

Monitoring and safety steps

Your safety is the top priority for the surgical team. They will monitor your heart rate, blood pressure, and blood oxygen levels continuously. This ensures your body is responding well to the anesthesia and the procedure.

The team also follows strict safety protocols, such as a "time-out." This is a brief pause before the surgery starts where everyone confirms the patient's identity and the details of the procedure to ensure everything is correct.

Immediately after the procedure

When the surgery is over, you will be moved to a recovery room. As the anesthesia wears off, you may feel groggy, thirsty, or have a slightly sore throat from the breathing tube. You might also notice some numbness or a feeling of pressure near your incisions.

The nurses will check on you frequently to make sure you are comfortable. You will still have the chest tube in place, and you may have a small clip on your finger to keep monitoring your oxygen. Your team will encourage you to take deep breaths as soon as you are able to help keep your lungs clear.

Typical procedure length

A lobectomy typically takes between 2 and 4 hours. The exact time can vary based on the surgical approach used and your individual health history.

Your surgical team will keep your loved ones updated on your progress. Once the surgery is finished and you are stable in the recovery room, your doctor will typically discuss the results with your family.

Common approaches (open vs minimally invasive)

Surgeons generally use one of two main methods to reach the lungs. The choice depends on the size and location of the problem, as well as your overall health.

• Open surgery (thoracotomy): The surgeon makes one longer cut (incision) on the side of the chest, usually between the ribs. The ribs are gently spread apart to allow the doctor to see and reach the lung directly. This approach is often used for larger tumors or complex cases where the surgeon needs a wide view.
• Minimally invasive surgery (VATS or robotic): This method uses smaller cuts. In Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS), a tiny camera and special tools are inserted through small incisions. In robotic-assisted surgery, the surgeon controls robotic arms to perform the procedure. These approaches typically result in less pain and a faster recovery compared to open surgery.

Your clinician will recommend the safest option for your specific situation. In some cases, a surgery may start as minimally invasive but switch to an open procedure if the surgeon decides it is necessary for safety.

Partial vs total

The lungs are divided into separate sections called lobes. The right lung has three lobes, and the left lung has two. A lobectomy removes exactly one of these lobes. This is often the preferred treatment for early-stage lung cancer because it removes the disease while leaving the healthy lobes behind to function.

However, doctors may consider removing more or less tissue depending on how much of the lung is affected:

• Wedge resection or segmentectomy: These procedures remove a piece of lung tissue smaller than a full lobe. This might be chosen if a tumor is very small or if your lungs are not strong enough to handle a full lobectomy.
• Pneumonectomy: This involves removing the entire lung (total removal). This is less common and is usually reserved for cases where the disease has spread throughout the lung or is located in the center near the main airway.

Revision or repeat procedures

In rare cases, a patient may need a second operation. For example, if a smaller piece of lung was removed (wedge resection) and tests later show that more tissue needs to be taken to clear all the disease, a surgeon may perform a "completion lobectomy" to remove the rest of that lobe.

Repeat procedures can be more technically difficult because of scar tissue from the first surgery. Your care team will carefully evaluate your heart and lung strength before recommending a revision surgery to ensure your body can handle the procedure.

Tests and imaging that may be done

Before surgery, your healthcare team needs to make sure you are healthy enough for the procedure. They will check how well your lungs and heart are working to ensure you can handle the operation safely.

Common tests usually include:

• Blood tests: These check your blood counts, kidney function, and how well your blood clots.
• Pulmonary function tests (PFTs): These are breathing tests that measure how much air your lungs can hold and how well they move oxygen into your blood.
• Heart tests: You may have an electrocardiogram (EKG) or a stress test to check your heart rhythm and health.
• Imaging scans: A chest X-ray, CT scan, or PET scan helps the surgeon see the exact location of the area being removed.

Medication adjustments

Tell your surgeon about all the medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements you take. Some of these can increase the risk of bleeding or interact with anesthesia. Your clinician will give you a specific plan for which medicines to take and which to pause.

Common adjustments may include:

• Blood thinners: You may be asked to stop taking blood thinners (such as warfarin or aspirin) or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen for a period before surgery.
• Smoking cessation: If you smoke, your doctor will strongly urge you to stop several weeks before the operation. Quitting helps your lungs heal and lowers the chance of breathing problems after surgery.

Note: Only stop taking medicines if your clinician specifically instructs you to do so.

Day-before and day-of instructions

Your care team will give you a checklist to follow as your surgery date approaches. Following these steps helps lower the risk of infection and complications.

The day before:

• You may be asked to shower with a special antibacterial soap.
• Follow the fasting instructions carefully. Usually, you must not eat or drink anything (including water) after midnight the night before surgery.

The day of surgery:

• Arrive at the hospital at the time listed in your instructions to allow for check-in.
• Remove nail polish, jewelry, dentures, and contact lenses.
• A nurse will place an intravenous (IV) line in your arm or hand to deliver fluids and medicine.
• You will meet with an anesthesiologist to discuss the medicine that will keep you asleep and pain-free during the procedure.

General surgical risks

As with any major operation, lobectomy carries certain general risks. Your surgical team takes many precautions to minimize these issues, but it is helpful to be aware of them. Possible risks include reactions to anesthesia, bleeding, or infection at the incision site.

Another risk during recovery is the formation of blood clots in the legs, known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). If a clot breaks free, it can travel to the lungs. To help prevent this, your care team will encourage you to move around as soon as possible after surgery and may provide compression stockings or blood-thinning medication.

Procedure-specific complications

Because this surgery involves the chest and lungs, there are specific side effects that clinicians monitor for. While serious complications are not common, some patients may experience the following:

• Air leaks: This is one of the most common issues after lung surgery. It happens when air escapes from the lung into the chest cavity. Most air leaks heal on their own, though they may require the chest tube to stay in place longer than usual.
• Pneumonia: This is an infection in the lung that can occur if deep breathing is difficult due to pain.
• Irregular heartbeat: Some patients develop a temporary irregular heart rhythm, such as atrial fibrillation, shortly after surgery.
• Collapsed lung: Sometimes the remaining lung tissue does not fully expand immediately after the operation (atelectasis).

How complications are treated

Your medical team monitors you closely in the hospital to catch and treat any issues early. If an infection like pneumonia occurs, doctors typically prescribe antibiotics. For heart rhythm issues, medication can help stabilize the heartbeat until it returns to normal.

If an air leak or fluid buildup persists, your clinician may keep the chest tube in place for a few extra days to help the lung heal and re-expand. Respiratory therapists and nurses will also work with you on breathing exercises and walking, which are the best ways to treat and prevent lung complications.

Pain control medicines

Managing discomfort is a top priority after a lobectomy (the removal of a section of the lung). Your clinician will tailor a plan to keep you comfortable so you can breathe deeply and move around. This often involves a "multimodal" approach, which means using different types of medicine together to get the best results with fewer side effects.

• Non-opioid relievers: These include common medicines like acetaminophen or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen. They help reduce swelling and manage mild to moderate pain.
• Opioids: For stronger pain, your care team may prescribe narcotics. These are used carefully for a short time because they can cause sleepiness or constipation.
• Local anesthetics: Your clinician may use "numbing" medicines through an epidural (a small tube in the back) or a nerve block to target the surgical area directly.

Always tell your team about any allergies or other medicines you take to avoid interactions. They will adjust your plan based on how you feel during your recovery.

Antibiotics

Antibiotics are medicines used to prevent or treat infections caused by bacteria. Because any surgery carries a small risk of infection, your clinician will likely give you a dose of antibiotics just before the procedure begins. This helps protect the surgical site and your lungs while you heal.

In some cases, you may continue taking antibiotics for a short time after surgery. It is important to let your healthcare team know if you have ever had a reaction or allergy to specific antibiotics, such as penicillin, so they can choose the safest option for you.

Blood thinners and clot prevention

After surgery, being less active can increase the risk of developing blood clots in the legs, known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). If these clots travel to the lungs, it can be a serious complication. To prevent this, your clinician may prescribe blood thinners (anticoagulants), which are often given as a small injection under the skin.

Commonly used medicines include heparin or enoxaparin. These help keep the blood flowing smoothly while you are recovering in the hospital. Your team will also encourage you to walk as soon as possible and may use special leg sleeves that gently squeeze your calves to help circulation.

Be sure to mention if you have a history of bleeding issues or if you are taking any herbal supplements, as these can affect how blood thinners work.

Emergency warning signs

While recovery takes time, certain symptoms require immediate attention. If you experience life-threatening changes, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away. Do not wait to see if these feelings pass.

Seek emergency care if you have:

• Severe trouble breathing: Struggling to catch your breath while resting or feeling like you are suffocating.
• Sudden chest pain: Pressure, tightness, or sharp pain in your chest that is different from your surgical soreness.
• Coughing up large amounts of blood: While small streaks can be normal, coughing up bright red blood is an emergency.
• Signs of a stroke or shock: Sudden confusion, fainting, or passing out.

Call your surgeon or clinic if…

Some symptoms are not immediate emergencies but still need medical treatment to prevent complications like infection or pneumonia. Your care team will give you specific instructions on who to call during and after office hours.

Contact your healthcare provider if you notice:

• Fever or chills: A temperature higher than 100.4°F (38°C) or 101°F (depending on your surgeon’s specific instructions) can be a sign of infection.
• Incision changes: Look for new redness, spreading warmth, increasing swelling, or foul-smelling drainage (pus) coming from your cut.
• Uncontrolled pain: Pain that does not get better after taking your pain medicine as prescribed.
• Leg swelling: Pain, redness, or swelling in one of your calves or legs, which could signal a blood clot.

Expected vs concerning symptoms

It is normal to feel tired and sore after a lobectomy. Knowing the difference between normal healing and a developing problem can help you stay calm.

Breathing

Expected: You may feel short of breath when walking or climbing stairs. This usually improves slowly over weeks.

Concerning: You feel short of breath while sitting still, or your breathing gets harder instead of easier.

Coughing

Expected: A dry cough or coughing up small amounts of clear or white mucus. You might see thin streaks of old, dark blood initially.

Concerning: You start coughing up thick yellow or green mucus (which may signal pneumonia) or bright red blood.

Incision site

Expected: The area may feel numb, itchy, or tight. Slight bruising is common.

Concerning: The wound feels hot to the touch, separates (opens up), or leaks fluid that soaks through your bandage.

Non-surgical treatments

For some people, surgery may not be the first choice. If a person has other health conditions that make surgery risky, their clinician may suggest radiation therapy. This treatment uses focused beams of energy to kill abnormal cells without making an incision. A specific type called stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) is often used for small, early-stage spots.

Other non-surgical options include:

• Ablation: Using a thin needle to apply extreme heat or cold directly to a tumor to destroy it.
• Chemotherapy: Using powerful medicines to shrink or kill unhealthy cells throughout the body.
• Immunotherapy: Using medicines that help your own immune system recognize and attack the disease.

Watchful waiting

In certain cases, your clinician may recommend "watchful waiting." This is also called active surveillance. It involves monitoring a small spot or nodule (a small growth) in the lung to see if it changes over time rather than treating it immediately.

During this period, you will likely have regular imaging tests, such as CT scans, every few months. If the spot stays the same size and does not cause symptoms, your care team may decide that the risks of surgery are higher than the benefits. This approach is often used for very small growths that do not look suspicious.

When surgery becomes the best option

A lobectomy is often considered the most effective treatment for early-stage lung cancer. This is because removing the entire lobe (a large section of the lung) offers the best chance of removing all the unhealthy cells and preventing them from returning. Your clinician may recommend surgery if you are healthy enough for the procedure and the growth is limited to one area.

Surgery may become the best option if:

• A spot that was being monitored begins to grow or change shape.
• Biopsy results show that the growth is aggressive and needs to be removed quickly.
• The patient has strong lung function and is expected to recover well from the procedure.
• Other treatments, like radiation, are not expected to be as effective as physically removing the growth.

Hospital services that commonly perform this surgery

A lobectomy is usually performed in a hospital that has a specialized thoracic surgery department. Thoracic surgery refers to operations on organs inside the chest, such as the lungs. These hospitals often have dedicated teams that focus specifically on lung health and surgical recovery.

During your stay, you may interact with several different departments. This often includes the anesthesiology team, who manages your comfort and sleep during the procedure. After surgery, your clinician may have you stay in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) or a specialized surgical recovery floor where the staff is trained to monitor lung function closely.

Your care team may also include respiratory therapists. These are specialists who help you with breathing exercises and equipment to ensure your remaining lung tissue stays healthy and clear after the lobe is removed.

Patient resources and support services

Many hospitals offer resources to help you prepare for surgery and manage your recovery at home. You may be given access to educational materials that explain what to expect before, during, and after your lobectomy. These resources are designed to help you and your family feel more prepared and calm.

Support services often include:

• Physical and Occupational Therapy: Specialists who help you regain your strength and teach you how to move safely as you heal.
• Respiratory Therapy: Professionals who guide you through using a spirometer (a device to help you take deep breaths) to help prevent lung infections after surgery.
• Support Groups: Many facilities host groups where you can talk with others who have had similar lung surgeries. This can provide emotional comfort and practical tips for daily life.
• Social Work and Case Management: Staff members who help coordinate your transition from the hospital to home, including arranging any necessary home health equipment or follow-up care.

Questions for choosing where to have surgery

Choosing where to have your lobectomy is an important step. Your clinician may suggest a specific hospital, but you can also ask questions to ensure the facility meets your needs. It is often helpful to look for a center that performs lung surgeries frequently.

You may want to ask the following questions when choosing a facility:

• How many lobectomies does this hospital and surgical team perform each year?
• Does the surgical team offer minimally invasive options, such as video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) or robotic-assisted surgery?
• Is there a dedicated recovery unit specifically for chest surgery patients?
• What kind of support is available if I have questions or concerns after I am discharged?
• Does the hospital provide access to pulmonary rehabilitation (a program to improve lung function) after surgery?

Conditions commonly treated by this procedure

A lobectomy is a surgery to remove one of the lobes of an organ, most often the lung. Your clinician may recommend this procedure to treat several different health issues. The most common reason is non-small cell lung cancer, where the surgery aims to remove the tumor and some surrounding tissue to prevent the spread of the disease.

Other conditions that may be treated with a lobectomy include:

• Lung infections: This includes severe cases of tuberculosis (TB), fungal infections, or a lung abscess (a pocket of infection caused by bacteria).
• Benign tumors: These are growths that are not cancerous but may still cause problems by pressing on other parts of the lung or blocking airways.
• Emphysema: In some cases, a clinician may remove a damaged part of the lung to help the remaining healthy tissue work more effectively.
• Bronchiectasis: This is a condition where the airways in the lung become permanently widened and damaged, making it difficult to clear mucus and leading to frequent infections.

Related symptoms people search for

People who are candidates for a lobectomy may experience various symptoms. These signs do not always mean surgery is needed, but they are often the reason a clinician begins a medical evaluation. It is important to remember that these symptoms can be associated with many different health concerns.

Common symptoms that may be evaluated include:

• A persistent cough that does not go away or changes over time.
• Coughing up blood or rust-colored mucus.
• Chest pain that often feels worse when breathing deeply, coughing, or laughing.
• Feeling short of breath or wheezing during daily activities.
• Unexplained weight loss or feeling very tired without a clear reason.

If you notice these symptoms, your clinician may use imaging tests or biopsies to determine the cause. Early evaluation is helpful for managing lung health effectively.

Evidence overview

Lobectomy is widely considered the standard treatment for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer. Medical research and clinical guidelines support this procedure because it removes the diseased part of the lung while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible. Studies suggest that for eligible patients, removing the entire lobe offers a better chance of preventing the cancer from coming back compared to removing smaller wedges of tissue.

In addition to cancer care, evidence supports the use of lobectomy for other conditions, such as severe fungal infections, tuberculosis, or benign (non-cancerous) tumors that block airways. Advances in technology have led to minimally invasive techniques, such as Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) and robotic surgery. Research indicates these methods often result in less pain and shorter hospital stays compared to traditional open surgery, without compromising safety for many patients.

Safety notes and individualized care

While lobectomy is a common procedure, it is major surgery that carries certain risks. Your healthcare team will perform thorough testing before the operation, such as lung function tests and heart evaluations, to ensure your body can handle the change in lung capacity. This helps clinicians decide if a lobectomy is the safest option or if a different treatment is better suited for your specific health needs.

Potential risks associated with lung surgery include:

• Air leaks: Air may escape from the lung into the chest cavity, which usually heals on its own but may require a chest tube to stay in place longer.
• Infection: This can occur at the incision site or inside the chest (pneumonia).
• Bleeding: As with any surgery, there is a risk of blood loss that may require a transfusion.
• Heart rhythm changes: Some patients experience a temporary irregular heartbeat, known as atrial fibrillation, after chest surgery.

Your surgeon will tailor the approach to your situation. For example, the location and size of the tumor often determine whether a minimally invasive approach or a larger incision (thoracotomy) is necessary. Recovery plans are also individualized; your care team will guide you through breathing exercises and physical activity to help your lungs expand and prevent complications.