View Providers
Pneumonectomy is the medical term for surgery to remove an entire lung. It treats severe lung diseases when removing just a portion of the lung is not an option. Doctors most commonly use pneumonectomy to treat lung cancer.
The goal of pneumonectomy is to stop lung cancer from spreading to other organs and increase your survival.
Are There Other Treatment Options?
Doctors recommend pneumonectomy to treat lung cancer when other treatments are not likely to cure it. Other treatments include radiation, chemotherapy, and removing only part of the lung.
Ask your doctor about all of your treatment options and consider getting a second opinion before deciding on pneumonectomy.
When to Consider Pneumonectomy
You may want to consider pneumonectomy if you have lung cancer and you fit the following characteristics:
- Your tumor is too large for a partial lung removal.
- Your tumor affects more than one lobe of the lung.
- Your cancer has not spread to the lymph nodes or other organs.
- Your other lung is healthy enough to take the increased workload.
Who Is NOT a Good Candidate for Pneumonectomy?
You may not be a good candidate if:
- Your cancer has spread outside the lung.
- Lung function tests of the remaining lung show that it can’t handle the increased workload.
- You have severe heart disease or another severe lung problem.
- You have a severe illness or infection.
What to Expect
Knowing what to expect can ease some anxiety when you’re thinking about having pneumonectomy. Here’s a brief summary.
A surgeon performs open surgery—thoracotomy—with a large (8- to 10-inch) incision in your chest. You will have general anesthesia, and you will stay in the hospital for 5 to 10 days.
Physical, occupational and respiratory therapies are essential to recovery. Gradually, you’ll increase your lung capacity and endurance. Full recovery times range from 6 to 10 weeks.
You may be able to return to work and other activities. However, you will need accommodations to conserve your energy while you perform tasks.
The five-year survival rate after having a lung removed for lung cancer can be as high as 51%. Talk to your doctor about your specific situation and what you can expect for long-term results.
