Pre Operative and Post Operative Lung Cancer Surgery Care

Comprehensive Lung Cancer Surgery Care

I will give you a simple breakdown of what will happen when you book a consultation and decide to go ahead with surgery under my care.

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Advanced Pre-Operative and Post-Operative Care for Lung Cancer Surgery

I understand lung cancer surgery’s success extends beyond the operating room. My commitment to excellence includes providing advanced pre-and post-operative care to ensure your comfort, safety, and the best possible outcomes. From thorough preparation before surgery to comprehensive support during recovery, I am here to guide you through every step of your treatment journey. The difference is that I have been on the other side as a patient and I understand what you are going through. I aim to help as much as I can.

When you have a diagnosis of lung cancer, patients react very differently. Some are in complete denial, but lung cancer cannot be ignored; it will catch up with you eventually, and when it does, it is so much more challenging to help. Others scour the internet to get some answer to reduce anxiety overnight, but the result is that they get even more confused and scared.  Some try to be brave for the family, but often they are very scared inside. I understand all that, and your consultation will have no time pressure, even if you decide not to go ahead with surgery or have it with another colleague; as long as I leave you better after we meet, I am happy with it.

Lung Cancer Surgery Care

Below, I will give you a simple breakdown of what will happen when you book a consultation and decide to go ahead with surgery under my care.

Pre-Operative Care and Evaluation

Before surgery, a detailed pre-operative evaluation is essential to assess your overall health and readiness for the procedure. I aim to minimise any risks and ensure you are fully prepared for surgery. This is a crucial step as I have learnt, after almost 20 years in the field, that the most successful operation start from the moment we meet.

Comprehensive Pre-Operative Assessments Include:

  • Detailed Medical Evaluation: A thorough review of your medical history, physical examination, and any existing conditions that may impact surgery.
  • Imaging and Diagnostic Tests: We conduct any necessary scans, such as CT or PET-CT, to confirm your cancer’s precise location and stage.
  • Lung Function Tests: Pulmonary function tests assess how well your lungs work and help determine whether you are fit for surgery.
  • Blood Tests and Cardiac Evaluation: These tests ensure that you are physically prepared for the demands of surgery and minimize any potential complications.
  • Multidisciplinary Consultations: Our specialists, including anesthesiologists, pulmonologists, and oncologists, will work together to create a personalised surgical plan.

Patient Education and Pre-Surgical Preparation

Patient education is a critical aspect of pre-operative care, in addition to medical evaluations. We provide detailed information about the surgical procedure, potential risks, and the recovery process. Our team will discuss what to expect before, during, and after surgery, ensuring that you feel informed and confident.

Pre-Surgical Preparation Includes:

  • Instructions on medication management, including any medications to stop or adjust prior to surgery
  • Guidance on fasting and hydration in the days leading up to the procedure
  • Practical advice on preparing your home for recovery (e.g., arranging transportation and support)

Post-Operative Care and Recovery

After your surgery, my focus shifts to helping you recover as comfortably and quickly as possible. I provide advanced post-operative care to minimise complications and support your healing process.

Post-Operative Care Includes:

  • Pain Management: Effective pain relief is crucial for a smooth recovery. We use advanced pain management techniques, including nerve blocks with an innovative probe that stuns the nerve, reducing pain for a few months, medication, and patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) to keep you comfortable after surgery.
  • Monitoring and Support: my clinical team will closely monitor your vital signs, lung function, and overall recovery. This includes regular assessments to identify and address any potential complications early.
  • Pulmonary Rehabilitation: Improving lung function is an essential part of recovery for many patients. I collaborate with a leading London physiotherapy group to provide breathing exercises and pulmonary rehabilitation programs to help patients regain strength and improve their lung capacity.
  • Early Mobilization: Moving as soon as possible after surgery is crucial in preventing complications like blood clots and pneumonia. My team will encourage gentle movement and activity, such as walking, soon after surgery.
  • Wound Care and Follow-Up Appointments: I will provide detailed instructions on how to care for your surgical incision at home, and schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your recovery progress.

Personalized Post-Surgery Care Plan

Every patient’s recovery is different, so we tailor our post-operative care plans to your specific needs. Whether you’ve undergone a minimally invasive procedure or a more complex surgery, our team is dedicated to providing personalised care that promotes healing and minimises complications.

Your Individualized Post-Surgery Plan May Include:

  • Nutrition and Hydration Guidance: Proper nutrition is key to a smooth recovery. We provide dietary recommendations to support healing and boost your immune system.
  • Exercise and Activity Plans: A gradual return to physical activity is important for building strength and improving lung function. I will work with you to develop a safe and effective exercise routine.
  • Emotional and Psychological Support: Recovering from surgery can be emotionally challenging. I offer psychological support and counseling services to help you manage stress and anxiety during your recovery.

Long-Term Monitoring and Follow-Up Care

After your initial recovery, my commitment to your care doesn’t end. I continue to provide long-term monitoring and follow-up appointments to ensure that your recovery progresses smoothly. During follow-up visits, I will assess your lung function, review any ongoing treatment needs, and check for any signs of recurrence.

Follow-Up Care Includes:

  • Routine imaging and diagnostic tests
  • Ongoing lung function assessments
  • Continued pain management or rehabilitation support as needed

Your Journey to Recovery

At my clinic, I am committed to providing the highest level of care before, during, and after your lung cancer surgery. My goal is to help you return to a healthy, active life as quickly and safely as possible. If you have any questions about our advanced pre- and post-operative care services, or if you’d like to schedule a consultation, please get in touch with us today. Consultations can be scheduled at a time convenient for you or remotely if you live far away.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Pre-Operative and Post-Operative Care for Lung Cancer Surgery

Pre-operative care involves medical evaluations, diagnostic tests, and consultations with your surgeon and care team to assess your health, prepare your body, and ensure you’re ready for surgery. It may include imaging tests, blood work, breathing exercises, and lifestyle changes like quitting smoking.

Pre-operative care ensures that you are in the best possible condition for surgery, reducing the risk of complications. It helps your medical team understand your lung function, overall health, and any underlying conditions that could affect the surgery or recovery.

You may undergo several assessments, including:

  • Pulmonary function tests to assess your lung capacity.
  • Imaging tests such as CT scans or PET scans to determine the exact location and size of the tumor.
  • Blood tests and an electrocardiogram (ECG) to ensure your body is fit for surgery. Your doctor will also review any medications you're taking and may adjust them before surgery.

Your doctor will provide specific instructions, which may include:

  • Fasting for a certain period before surgery.
  • Stopping certain medications.
  • Quitting smoking if you smoke.
  • Performing breathing exercises to strengthen your lungs before the procedure.

Post-operative care involves managing your recovery, reducing complications, and monitoring your progress. This includes pain management, physical therapy, pulmonary rehabilitation, and follow-up appointments to check for any signs of infection or other issues.

Recovery time varies based on the type of surgery and your overall health. For minimally invasive surgery, recovery may take a few weeks, while more extensive surgeries like pneumonectomy can require several months for full recovery.

Pulmonary rehabilitation is a program designed to help patients improve lung function after surgery. It involves breathing exercises, physical activity, and education to help regain strength and lung capacity, promoting a faster and smoother recovery.

Pain management is a crucial part of post-operative care. Your doctor may prescribe medications to control pain, such as opioids or non-opioid alternatives, along with non-medical methods like breathing exercises and physical therapy.

Yes, regular follow-up care is essential. Your healthcare team will schedule visits to monitor your recovery, assess lung function, and perform imaging tests to check for any signs of cancer recurrence.

Quitting smoking is one of the most important lifestyle changes to make. Additionally, following a healthy diet, staying physically active, and attending all rehabilitation sessions will aid your recovery and overall health.

After surgery, contact your doctor if you experience symptoms like fever, persistent pain, shortness of breath, chest pain, or signs of infection (e.g., redness, swelling, or discharge around the incision).

If you have more questions about pre-operative or post-operative care for lung cancer surgery, please contact our team for personalized guidance and support.