Pneumonectomy

A pneumonectomy is a major surgical procedure involving the complete removal of a lung, typically performed to treat advanced lung cancer, severe infections, or traumatic lung injuries. This guide covers everything you need to know—how it’s done, risks, recovery time, and life after surgery.

What Is a Pneumonectomy?

A pneumonectomy is the surgical removal of an entire lung, usually due to:
Lung cancer (central or large tumors)
Severe tuberculosis or fungal infections
Trauma or congenital lung disease

Types

• Standard Pneumonectomy (removal of one whole lung)
• Extrapleural Pneumonectomy (for mesothelioma, removes lung + surrounding tissue)
• Completion Pneumonectomy (removal of remaining lung after prior surgery)

How Performed?

1. Open Surgery (Thoracotomy)

• A large incision is made between the ribs.
• The lung is carefully dissected and removed.
• The chest cavity is closed, sometimes with a temporary drain.

2. Minimally Invasive Options (Rare)

• VATS (Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery) – Used in select cases.
• Robotic-assisted surgery – Emerging but not yet standard.

Surgery Duration: 3–6 hours under general anesthesia.

Risks & Complications

⚠ Short-term risks:

• Bleeding, infection, blood clots
• Pneumonia or respiratory failure
• Heart complications (arrhythmias)

⚠ Long-term risks:

• Reduced lung capacity (shortness of breath)
• Chronic pain or pleural effusion
• Post-pneumonectomy syndrome (rare, due to mediastinal shift)

Recovery & Life

Hospital Stay: 7–14 days (ICU monitoring initially).

Full Recovery Time: 6–12 months (gradual improvement in breathing).

Rehabilitation Tips:

Breathing exercises (to strengthen remaining lung)
Physical therapy (to restore mobility)
Avoid smoking & pollution (critical for lung health)

Can You Live Normally with One Lung?

Yes! Many patients adapt well, though strenuous exercise may be limited.

Pneumonectomy vs. Lobectomy: Key Differences

1. How dangerous is a pneumonectomy?

It’s high-risk due to the loss of an entire lung, but survival rates depend on the underlying condition (e.g., 5-year survival for lung cancer varies by stage).

2. Can you fly after a this?

Yes, but wait 6–8 weeks and consult your doctor—oxygen levels may drop at high altitudes.

3. What’s the life expectancy after this?

For early-stage lung cancer, many patients live 5+ years; for advanced cases, prognosis varies.

Conclusion

A pneumonectomy is a life-saving but major surgery requiring careful consideration. Advances in post-op care help patients regain quality of life, though long-term monitoring is essential. Always discuss alternatives (like lobectomy) with your surgeon.