What is a lung lobectomy?
A lung lobectomy is an operation to remove a lobe of an organ when it is damaged.
In most cases, surgeons perform the procedure for lung cancer.
The difference between lobectomy at home and abroad
Surgeons from foreign medical centers perform lobectomy using the video-assisted thoracoscopic VATS method. They perform manipulations through 2-5 incisions of 2.5 cm each. Recovery after such a procedure is faster than after traditional open surgery.
Features of lung lobe removal in different countries
Bookimed has identified the 3 most popular countries for lobectomy among residents of Russia, Ukraine, Belarus and Kazakhstan.
In medical centers in Germany, the accuracy of diagnosis is 100%. Thanks to this, German specialists correctly determine the scope of intervention.
In Israel, patients are operated on by experienced and qualified surgeons. They study and train in leading European and American clinics. Thanks to this, Israeli surgeons are improving the methods of performing lobectomy.
The main advantage of a lobectomy in Turkey is its cost. The price for the procedure here is lower than in Israel and Germany.
88% of operations in Turkey pass without complications.
Statistics
How to choose a hospital for lung lobe removal surgery?
When choosing a clinic for a lobectomy, focus on:
- experience and qualifications of an oncologist and thoracic surgeon;
- availability of a system for low-traumatic VATS surgery;
- certificates and accreditations of a medical institution;
- reviews of lung lobectomy in the clinic.
Indications and contraindications for surgical lobectomy
Surgical lobectomy is indicated for patients with:
- lung cancer of the initial stages, which is localized within one lobe;
- severe forms of tuberculosis;
- lung cyst;
- abscess.
Doctors do not perform surgery on people with:
- lung cancer stage 3B-4;
- metastases;
- intolerance to anesthesia;
- germination of the tumor or metastases in the aorta, esophagus, superior vena cava, and the opposite main bronchus;
- severe general condition.
Types of lobectomy
Thoracotomy
The doctor makes an incision 8-20 cm long and removes the lobe of the lung.
Benefits: The procedure provides the surgeon with good visibility.
Disadvantages: the operation leaves a large scar. Recovery takes up to 2 weeks.
Video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy (VATS)
The doctor performs the procedure through 3-5 incisions up to 2.5 cm. Through one incision, he inserts a tube with a camera that controls the course of the procedure. Through the remaining 2 incisions, he performs manipulations with special instruments.
Advantages: the procedure leaves small scars. Recovery is 2-3 times faster than after open surgery.
Disadvantages: VATS provides the surgeon with less visibility than a thoracotomy.
Preparing for the operation
Preparation for a lung lobectomy includes:
- blood analysis;
- chest CT;
- sampling and laboratory examination of tumor tissues;
- positron emission computed tomography (PET-CT).
The course of the procedure
During the operation, the patient is under general anesthesia. Depending on the type of lobectomy, the surgeon performs an incision 8-20 cm long or 3 incisions of 2.5 cm each, and removes a lobe of the lung.
Duration of lobectomy
The intervention takes 2 to 3 hours.
Rehabilitation after removal of part of the lung
The duration of hospitalization after removal of a lung lobe for cancer depends on the technique. After an open operation, a person stays in the clinic for 1-2 weeks, after a low-traumatic operation - 4-5 days.
To restore lung function, the doctor prescribes breathing exercises.
Possible Complications
88% of lobectomy abroad pass without complications. Among the possible violations of the body - breathing problems. Patients restore it with the help of special exercises.
Lobectomy abroad: the nuances
- Will they accompany me to a clinic abroad?
Yes, clinics provide coordinators for foreign patients. They help with translation and paperwork, accompany at all stages of diagnosis and treatment.
Organization of a lobectomy abroad
To perform a lung lobectomy abroad, leave a request on the Bookimed website. A specialized doctor-coordinator will contact you. He will select several medical centers that will meet your wishes in terms of quality and price. Together with the coordinator, you will choose the best of the proposed hospitals.
To book a consultation date, please send us your medical records. The coordinating doctor will send them to the selected clinic and request a diagnostic and treatment program.
We will stay in touch from the moment you contact us until you return home.