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Synopsis

Lobectomy is a surgery done to remove a lung lobe. If you want to learn everything about lobectomy, you are in the right place. This article will give you complete information about lobectomy, like what it is, how it is done, risks, benefits, and the best hospital for lobectomy in Bangalore.

Introduction

A lobectomy is a surgical procedure in which a surgeon removes a lobe of your lung. It is usually recommended for patients suffering from lung cancer. If you want lung cancer treatment in Bangalore, visit the Gleneagles Hospital. The hospital has experienced surgeons backed by world-class facilities, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and cutting-edge technology, providing Lobectomy Surgery in Bangalore.

What is Lobectomy?

A lobectomy is a minimally invasive procedure involving the removal of a lobe of the lung. The right lung has three lobes, and the left has two. The surgeons remove the affected lobe using a minimally invasive technique. It is used to treat lung cancer. It is useful for early stages of lung cancer. The surgeons consider removing small sections of your lung. 

Why is Lobectomy recommended? 

Lobectomy is not only recommended for lung cancer. But, it is also recommended for other lung conditions such as: 

  • Damage to the lungs due to infection or radiation
  • Lung abnormalities present at birth
  • Bleeding from lungs due to damage
  • Tumours that have travelled to the lungs from other parts of your body.
  • Lungs get affected due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or emphysema.
What is Lobectomy?

Types of Lobectomy Procedures

Mainly three types of lobectomy procedures are done to remove a lobe of the lung:

  • Open Lobectomy (Thoracotomy): In this type, surgeons make a large incision in the chest. It is the traditional method and takes longer to recover.
  • Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS): It is a minimally invasive technique in which surgeons make small incisions, and a camera is used to assess the diseased part of the lung. It leads to quick recovery and causes less pain and discomfort.
  • Robotic-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (RATS): It is a technique in which surgeons use robotic technology to perform the surgery with precision. It is the least invasive technique but more expensive.

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Lobectomy Procedure Details

Before Procedure

If you have breathing problems or chest pain, consult an experienced lung doctor at Gleneagles Hospital. The doctor will take your medical and personal history to assess the condition and order some tests to diagnose the condition.

The doctor will recommend the following tests: 

  • A complete blood count
  • Physical examination
  • Chest X-ray
  • Chest
  • CT scan
  • PET scan
  • Breathing tests such as pulmonary function test
  • Bronchoscopy
  • Transthoracic needle biopsy
  • Quantitative perfusion scan
  • Blood tests
  • Cardiac stress test
  • CT Scan of your head 

A cardiologist may also evaluate if you do not have a heart issue. The doctor will give you some instructions before the procedure. You must avoid tobacco products and alcohol before surgery. Moreover, avoid taking certain medications, such as blood thinners, to avoid the risk of bleeding. You have to stop eating & drinking at least 12 hours before surgery. 

During the Procedure 

You will be taken to the surgery room. The anesthesiologist will give you anaesthesia so that you sleep during the procedure and do not feel pain. 

  • A tube is inserted into the throat to manage breathing
  • The surgeon will make small incisions in the chest to access your chest cavity.
  • The doctor will place a thoracoscope and use surgical tools through the incisions. The surgeon will perform the surgery using a magnified image of your lungs on the screen.
  • The surgeon will remove the affected lobe of the lung and will also take a sample of the lymph nodes to evaluate for the cancer's spread.
  • The doctor will ensure nothing is bleeding and rinse the chest cavity.
  • In the end, the surgeon will close the incisions. 

After the Procedure 

You will be sent to the ICU for recovery. Once you are awake, the doctor will remove the breathing tube. 

  • The doctor will give pain medications to manage pain and discomfort.
  • The doctor will remove extra fluid and air from the lungs using a draining tube.
  • The doctor will ask you to cough regularly to feel less pain.
  • The staff will monitor you while in the hospital to check for irregular heartbeats.
  • You will also get shots to prevent blood clots in the legs.
  • After 24 hours, the doctors will encourage you to start walking slowly.
  • You may have to stay in the hospital for 3-5 days. The doctor will perform imaging tests to check recovery.

Risks of Lobectomy

A minimally invasive lobectomy procedure is the best choice for people suffering from early-stage lung cancer. But every surgery has some common side effects. Lungs are close to the heart, and the surgeon has to carefully perform the surgery. The side effects of lobectomy include the following: 

  • Bleeding may occur at the site of incision
  • A continuous air leak may occur from the lungs
  • Blood clots may form in your legs
  • Irregular heartbeat and atrial fibrillation may occur
  • Nerve injury can occur during surgery that can affect your voice function
  • Infection may occur at the site of incision
  • Emphysema may occur

Why choose Gleneagles Hospital for Lobectomy?

Lobectomy is a surgical procedure and requires precision. You must look for the best hospital for lobectomy in Bangalore. Gleneagles Hospital is known for its advanced technology and high success rate. Gleneagles Hospital is the best hospital for a lobectomy procedure in Bangalore. You should choose this hospital for the following reasons:

  • State-of-the-art facilities Gleneagles Hospital is well-equipped with the latest technology and modern facilities. It provides a modern infrastructure with a wide range of surgical techniques, including lobectomy. The surgery rooms and recovery rooms are well equipped with all the facilities to take care of patients before, during, and after the procedure. The hospital ensures that every patient should receive the best possible treatment and care in a comfortable environment.
  • Multidisciplinary approach The hospital takes a collaborative approach and has a team of experienced surgeons, cardiologists, anesthesiologists, nurses, and aftercare staff who work together to give the best medical care to the patients. They provide personalised treatment to all patients. A panel of doctors works together for every patient to assess the case and design a tailored treatment plan.
  • Experienced Doctors & Surgeons The hospital has experienced doctors who use advanced surgical techniques. The hospital offers Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for lung abnormalities. The doctors have years of experience in performing these types of surgeries with successful results. Surgeons work tirelessly to enhance their knowledge about the latest and advanced techniques available in the medical field.
  • Comprehensive Care Gleneagles Hospital provides comprehensive care to every patient during and after the procedure. This includes pain management, breathing exercises, and regular follow-up care to monitor recovery. The hospital has a well-equipped rehabilitation room, and physiotherapists provide rehabilitation care to patients so that they can recover as quickly as possible. The hospital is committed to providing the best support throughout the procedure.

Conclusion

Lobectomy is a surgery done to treat lung cancer. It is a complex procedure and involves risks and complications. However, advancements in surgical techniques have made it possible for surgeons to achieve success and reduce recovery time for patients. Patients must choose the best hospital for lung cancer treatment in Bangalore. Gleneagles Hospital provides the best lobectomy surgery in Bangalore. The hospital is well equipped with the latest techniques and experienced doctors to offer comprehensive care to the patients.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is the recovery time after lobectomy?

When a minimally invasive procedure is used for lobectomy, you may have to stay for 3-5 days in the hospital. Recovery is quick as compared to traditional lobectomy procedures. You will have to take pain medications to manage pain for a week. You can start working independently after two weeks. Full recovery after a lobectomy may take 4-8 weeks.

Q.2 What precautions do I have to take after a lobectomy?

After lobectomy, you must take the following precautions:

  • You must avoid smoking and exposure to pollutants
  • You must perform regular breathing exercises to prevent lung infections and improve lung function.
  • You should avoid heavy lifting for at least four to six weeks after surgery.
  • You should eat a healthy and balanced diet to support quick healing.
  • Stay hydrated to remove mucus from the lungs.
Q.3 In what situations should I call a doctor after a lobectomy?

You should call a doctor if you experience the following after surgery:

  • If you experience severe pain in the chest that does not improve with pain medications.
  • If you experience shortness of breath or difficulty in breathing
  • If your body temperature rises above 101 degrees Fahrenheit
  • If you have a persistent cough with bloody sputum If you have excessive bleeding or pus from the incision site
Q.4 Can I live a normal life after lobectomy?

Yes, you can live a normal life after a lobectomy. Most patients resume normal activities after 3-4 weeks, and you can resume exercise after complete recovery. Recovery time may vary from patient to patient, depending on other factors. You may experience mild shortness of breath sometimes, but you can lead a normal life otherwise.

Q.5 What is the survival rate after lobectomy?

The survival rate depends on many other factors, including the age and lifestyle of the patients. In general, for early-stage lung cancer, the survival rate is about 50-70%. If the cancerous lobe is removed fully, patients can live longer. The long-term survival rate depends on cancer type, overall health, and follow-up care.

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