pneumonectomy Tunisia
What is a pneumonectomy?
A pneumonectomy is a surgical procedure that involves completely removing one of the two lungs. To treat certain diseases that cannot be treated with less extensive resection or other therapeutic treatments, this procedure is usually performed. Patients with lung cancer located near the large vessels of the lung may receive a pneumonectomy. Following a pneumonectomy, the body rebalances the space left free by the surgery, thus allowing adequate restoration of respiratory function.
What are the stages of the pneumonectomy surgical process?
The progress of this operation can be described as follows:
Pre-operative assessment: The medical team assesses the patient's clinical condition by taking take into account their nutritional and respiratory conditions.
Pulmonary preparation: The patient may be required to complete a pulmonary preparation stay in a rehabilitation center and must stop smoking at least two weeks before the operation.
Anesthesia: Before the operation, a chest scan with anesthesia is performed.
Incision: The procedure is carried out through a thoracic incision, with the removal of the lung involved.
Management of after-effects: To avoid the formation of a flare after removal of the lung, the cavity left must be managed. This can be accomplished by bronchial suturing, aspiration (evacuation of air from the lung) or flow (gradual and complete filling of the cavity).
Resuscitation and post-operative care: Cardiorespiratory complications are avoided and pain postoperative treatment is treated.
Recovery: With precise protocols, recovery after pneumonectomy can be rapid for some patients.
How is recovery after surgery?
After a pneumonectomy, recovery is a crucial step that requires careful monitoring and appropriate care. The patient is generally hospitalized in an intensive care unit or continuing care unit for a period of postoperative monitoring after the procedure. Cardiorespiratory complications are avoided and postoperative pain is treated. The patient is then gradually transferred to the routine care unit. With precise protocols, recovery can be rapid for some patients.
What are the advantages ?
Patients with lung diseases may benefit from several benefits from the major surgical procedure known as pneumonectomy:
Curative treatment: Patients with lung cancer or other lung diseases that cannot be cured by resection or other therapeutic treatments may benefit from pneumonectomy.
Improved quality of life: By eliminating symptoms associated with lung disease, Pneumonectomy can improve the patient's quality of life.
Reduced risk of complications: Pneumonectomy can reduce the risk of lung infections and respiratory problems.
Low rate of loss of lung function: In approximately 15 to 20% of cases, Pneumonectomy results in permanent loss of lung function.
Improved survival: The survival of patients with lung cancer or Other lung diseases can be improved by pneumonectomy.
What are the possible complications of the surgery?
Pneumonectomy is a major surgical procedure that can cause complications, such as:
Pulmonary complications: Pulmonary infections, retained secretions, pneumonia and edema Pulmonary complications are the most common pulmonary complications.
Cardiac complications: In 4 to 25% of patients, cardiac complications may include heart rhythm disorders, especially atrial fibrillation.
Complications related to anesthesia: Allergic reactions, breathing problems and problems Cardiovascular problems can be complications of anesthesia.
Complications related to healing: Persistent pain, healing problems and infections Postoperative complications are some examples of complications related to healing.
Rehabilitation-related complications: Breathing problems, chest pain, and difficulty performing the rehabilitation exercises are some examples of complications related to rehabilitation.
How long does a pneumonectomy typically take?
The average duration of a pneumonectomy depends on various factors, such as the difficulty of the procedure, the health of the patient, and the possibility of complications. If everything goes well and there are no problems, the initial hospitalization generally lasts between a week and ten days.
What are the expected results ?
Resolution of symptoms associated with lung disease, such as cough, shortness of breath, and chest pain, is one of the expected outcomes of a pneumonectomy. Additionally, expected outcomes for lung cancer patients may include tumor suppression and, in some cases, improved survival. It is important to note that results may differ depending on the nature of the lung disease, the patient's health status and individual response to treatment.
How long does recovery take after surgery?
The recovery time after a pneumonectomy can vary depending on a variety of factors, including the type of pneumonectomy, the health of the patient, and the possibility of complications. If everything goes well and there are no problems, the initial hospitalization generally lasts between a week and ten days. However, in case of complications, the recovery period may be longer and the patient may need to stay in the intensive care unit, or even be transferred to the intensive care unit, and ultimately need a prolonged stay in the clinic. Afterwards After a pneumonectomy, full recovery may take several weeks or even months, depending on the patient's tolerance and ability to recover.
Are there any alternatives to this surgery?
Yes, alternatives to pneumonectomy exist. Partial lung resection, such as lobectomy or segmentectomy, involves removing only the part of the lung affected by disease while maintaining the rest of the lung tissue healthy. Sleeve lobectomy (SL) is a surgical alternative that preserves as much healthy lung tissue as possible while removing the diseased part. Sometimes these alternatives are preferred over pneumonectomy because they can preserve more lung function.
What are the criteria to be eligible for a pneumonectomy?
The conditions necessary to be eligible for a pneumonectomy are:
Lung disease ineligible for partial resection: Patients who are not eligible for partial resection partial resection (resection of a part of the lung affected by the disease) should not receive pneumonectomy.
Rigorous preoperative assessment: After a complete preoperative assessment including radiological, tomodermographic and possibly functional studies to assess the patient's pulmonary function, the operative indication must be validated.
Size and location of the tumor: If the tumor is close to the root of the lung , called the hilum, or if it is large enough to be resectionable or could cause serious complications, a pneumonectomy may be necessary.
Patient health status: The health of the patient, including nutritional and his respiratory capacity must be sufficient to allow good recovery.
What is the success rate?
Several factors influence the success rate of pneumonectomy, such as the nature of the lung disease, the patient's health status, and the surgical technique used. Pneumonectomy is generally considered an effective treatment for certain lung diseases, such as lung cancer.
Are there any long term side effects?
The long-term side effects of pneumonectomy are real. Post-pneumonectomy syndrome, a rare and late complication that can occur several months or even years after the operation, is one of these effects. Additionally, pneumonectomy can reduce lung volumes, although functional compensation mechanisms can reduce lung volumes by 30% on spirometry.
Although 97% of patients have no or moderate shortness of breath on exercise after the rehabilitation period, pneumonectomy can lead to a reduction in respiratory capacity. Finally, although most patients do not retain a functional cardiac disability, pneumonectomy can lead to a reduction in physical capabilities.
How long does one live after a pneumonectomy?
Several factors, including the patient's general health, the nature of the lung disease, and the possibility of complications, can influence lifespan after pneumonectomy. Although most patients do not retain functional cardiac disability, pneumonectomy is generally associated with a reduction in respiratory capacity. Additionally, although most patients do not retain functional cardiac impairment, pneumonectomy may result in a reduction in physical capabilities. It is important to note that pneumonectomy can affect quality of life and physical abilities and that recovery may vary from patient to patient.