Lung Cancer Surgical Treatments

Surgical Treatments for Lung Cancer in London

I offer a range of advanced surgical treatments for lung cancer tailored to meet each patient’s specific needs.

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Surgical Treatments for Lung Cancer

I offer a range of advanced surgical treatments for lung cancer tailored to meet each patient’s specific needs. With an experienced thoracic surgeon, my surgical team is dedicated to using the most effective and least invasive techniques to provide the best possible outcomes.

Surgical Treatments for Lung Cancer

Lobectomy

A lobectomy is the most common surgical procedure for early-stage lung cancer. This involves removing an entire lobe of the lung where the cancer is located.

Key Benefits:

  • High success rate for localized tumors
  • Often performed using minimally invasive techniques, like VATS or robotic surgery
  • Faster recovery compared to traditional open surgery

Pneumonectomy

In more advanced cases, where the tumor has spread across a large portion of the lung, a pneumonectomy may be necessary. This surgery involves the complete removal of one lung. \ This operation nowadays is very rare, and I can almost always save a part of the lung, even in large tumours.

Considerations:

  • It is only recommended for patients with good overall lung function
  • Careful assessment and rehabilitation planning are essential

Segmentectomy

A segmentectomy is a lung-sparing procedure in which only a segment of the lung, rather than an entire lobe, is removed. This option is typically recommended for smaller tumours or patients who may not be candidates for a lobectomy due to health concerns.

Advantages:

  • Preserves more lung tissue, helping maintain lung function
  • Suitable for early-stage cancers and smaller lesions

Wedge Resection

This procedure removes a small, wedge-shaped section of the lung that contains the tumour, along with a margin of healthy tissue. Wedge resection is often used for patients with small tumours or those who may not tolerate more extensive surgery.

Best for:

  • Small, peripheral tumours
  • Patients with compromised lung function or other health issues

Sleeve Resection

In cases where lung cancer affects the airway, a sleeve resection may be performed. This procedure removes the affected portion of the airway and part of the lung, followed by rejoining the healthy ends to preserve lung function.

Benefits:

  • Preserves more lung tissue compared to a pneumonectomy
  • Effective for tumours involving the bronchus

Minimally Invasive Surgery

Whenever possible, I utilize minimally invasive techniques such as Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery (VATS) and robotic-assisted surgery to perform lobectomies, segmentectomies, and Idge resections. These methods allow the surgeon to operate through small incisions, minimizing trauma to the body.

Advantages of Minimally Invasive Surgery:

  • Reduced pain and faster recovery
  • Shorter hospital stays
  • Less risk of complications

Advanced Techniques in Lymph Node Removal

Lung cancer often spreads to the lymph nodes, so surgical treatment typically includes the removal of nearby lymph nodes to ensure the tumour is fully addressed. This is known as lymphadenectomy and is performed alongside most lung resection procedures.

Multidisciplinary Approach

All of my surgical treatment options are part of a larger, personalised care plan developed in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team of oncologists, radiologists, and pulmonologists. This approach ensures that each patient receives a comprehensive, customised treatment plan tailored to their condition.

Choosing the right surgical option depends on many factors, including the stage and location of the cancer and your overall health. Our thoracic surgeon will work with you to determine the most effective and appropriate treatment for your lung cancer. If you have any questions or are seeking expert guidance, contact us today to schedule a consultation. I am here to help you on your path to recovery.

The main surgical options for lung cancer include:

  • Lobectomy: Removal of one lobe of the lung, the most common surgery for early-stage lung cancer.
  • Pneumonectomy: Complete removal of one lung, typically for larger or centrally located tumors.
  • Segmentectomy or Wedge Resection: Removal of a small portion of the lung, often used for smaller, early-stage cancers.

The type of surgery depends on factors like the size, location, and stage of the tumor, as well as your overall health. Your surgeon will review your case to recommend the best option for effective treatment while preserving as much lung function as possible.

Minimally invasive lung surgery, such as Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) or robotic-assisted surgery, uses small incisions to remove cancerous tissue. These techniques result in less pain, shorter recovery time, and fewer complications compared to traditional open surgery.

Not all patients are candidates for minimally invasive surgery. Factors like tumor size, location, and the extent of the cancer may require traditional open surgery. Your surgeon will assess your specific condition to determine if minimally invasive surgery is suitable.

Recovery time varies depending on the type of surgery. Minimally invasive procedures often have a recovery period of a few weeks, while more extensive surgeries like a pneumonectomy may require several months for full recovery.

As with any major surgery, lung cancer surgery carries risks, including bleeding, infection, blood clots, and complications related to anesthesia. Minimally invasive techniques often reduce these risks. Your surgeon will discuss all potential risks with you before the procedure.

In some cases, additional treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy may be recommended after surgery to reduce the risk of recurrence, depending on the stage of cancer and surgical findings.

After surgery, your lung function may be temporarily reduced, especially if a large portion or an entire lung is removed. Over time, most patients adapt, and breathing improves. Pulmonary rehabilitation and breathing exercises can help enhance lung capacity during recovery.

Surgery offers the best chance for a cure in early-stage lung cancer that has not spread beyond the lungs. In more advanced cases, surgery may be combined with other treatments to manage the disease and improve quality of life.

Your surgeon will provide specific instructions, which may include stopping certain medications, fasting before surgery, and undergoing pre-surgical tests such as blood work, imaging, and lung function tests.

The long-term prognosis depends on the stage of the cancer, the type of surgery, and your overall health. Regular follow-up visits, imaging tests, and lifestyle modifications can help maintain health and monitor for any signs of recurrence.

If you have more questions about lung cancer surgery or would like to discuss your treatment options, please contact us today to schedule a consultation.

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