Lobectomy: How to prepare and what to expect

In this video, Dr Rishendran Naidoo (Director of Cardiothoracic Surgery, TPCH) shares his expert insights on how to prepare for a lobectomy and what to expect before, during and after the procedure.
For further information contact our free call Information and Support Centre on 1800 654 301 or book a call here: lungfoundation.com.au/support.

[@CMDai1]

I had a Lobectomy not too long ago and I was surprised there is very little information out there about the recovery process, this video is exactly what I needed, thank you!
There are my doctors but I missed and/or forgot some questions, this is very useful.

[@marilynnlawler2363]

Thank you very helpful for my upcoming lobectomy in July here is USA.

[@JJ-qt6wc]

Prior to surgery, the care team wanted me to drink a protein drink they recommended before and after surgery that was very expensive. I bought 2 cases, and after finishing one case, I couldn't stomach the taste anymore. Surgery was not at all bad. Up and walking the same day, however the chest tube put in for drainage was inserted too far and was rubbing up against the chest wall, causing pain when I walked. After they pulled the chest tube out a bit, it was piece of cake. I stayed at a relatives house for 2 days and then went home to my house alone. Each day I felt better and better. Was prescribed gabapentin for nerve pain control for a few months and tapered off that. Much easier that I ever anticipated. Certainly help it goes well for anyone planning this surgery. Also, I would recommend using the spirometer to practice your breathing both before and after surgery. Months afterwards I did begin respiratory therapy because I was feeling short of breath. I wish that in US we have before and after lung surgery respiratory therapy as they seem to do in the UK. It just teaches u how to breathe better and how to breathe when exercising.

[@coolbreeze4576]

@J J thanks for sharing, it has helped to decrease my anxiety. I'm having lung surgery in 1 week and I also had 36 sessions of Pulmonary Rehab over a six months period because I was so deconditioned from the lung condition (and another issue). I've chronic pain and have been on pain medication which also helps me to be more active and I'm grateful for that. It's enabled me to begin preparing meals and freezing them for post surgery to supplement what the Insurance will provide. Thanks again for that detail of your experience. It has really helped.

[@itsmariannasong6960]

Hi, im having an open lobectomy at the end of this month, i'm wondering if when you wake up are you coughing or spitting up blood?? When i had my lung biopsy i coughed up so much blood.

[@coolbreeze4576]

@@itsmariannasong6960 No I didn't, until the third day post surgery I cough up a small amount of blood tinged mucus. But, I had Robot-Assisted wedge resection for the 2 biopsies. There were only four 1-2 inch incisions through which the surgery was done. I'm sure an open lobectomy may have more impact on the amount of residual blood.
I wish you a speedy and uneventful recovery and pray that the surgery will resolve your issue and that any pain or other post-operative symptoms will be easily and well-controlled.
I have over almost two hundred tumors scattered in the 5 lobes and they are unresectable.

[@JJ-qt6wc]

@@itsmariannasong6960 mine was robotic removal of entire upper left lung, not open, and 28 lymphnodes with no metastasize to other organs so no chemo or radiation. I never coughed up blood, nor did I with the needle biopsy done from the left side of my back under CT scan. A tube and a pump was inserted to draw out blood from surgery and the container did fill up with blood. The tube was hitting the wall of the chest inside me and it pained me to walk. Once they pulled the tube out a little bit, I began walking freely. Senna tablet was used to keep the bowels moving---used it a few times. Gabapentin tablet was used for 3 months to avoid nerve pain. Best of luck and prayers with your surgery.

[@itsmariannasong6960]

@@coolbreeze4576 thank you and praying for you as well. Thank you for the response as well, i've been having a hard time finding certain answers to things.

[@davidfowler7558]

Thank u SO much for this!! I'm having an upper left lobectomy very soon, need this, again, thank u!!!!

[@itsmariannasong6960]

hi hoping all is well! I have my surgery at the end of the month, feeling very nervous

[@eleanorsmith3878]

Thanks so much for this video. Very helpful.

[@neadster469]

Thanks for this.