Type of Surgery
Information

Last updated: 11/24/2009
The specific risks of a lobectomy vary depending on the specific reason for the procedure and the general state of the patient's health; they should be discussed with the surgeon. In general, the risks for any surgery requiring a general anesthetic...
include reactions to medications and breathing problems. As previously mentioned, patients having part of a lung removed may have difficulty breathing and may require the use of oxygen. Excessive bleeding, wound infections, and pneumonia are possible complications of a lobectomy. The chest will hurt for some time after surgery, as the surgeon must cut through the patient's ribs to expose the lung. Patients with COPD may experience shortness of breath after surgery.
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The animation explains how the lungs provide oxygen to and remove carbon dioxide from the blood. The specialized anatomy of the air sac in the lung allows the gas exchange to occur efficiently, as discussed and shown in the video.
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Other Information
Definition
A lobectomy is the removal of a lobe, or section, of the lung.
Purpose
Lobectomies are performed to prevent the spread of cancer to other parts of the lung or other parts of the body, as well as to treat patients with such noncancerous diseases as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). COPD includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis, which cause airway obstruction.
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