A lobectomy is a surgical procedure to remove one of the lobes of the lung. As the most common type of lung cancer surgery, a lung lobectomy is often recommended when disease is confined to a single lobe and can be removed while preserving as much healthy lung tissue as possible. In addition to treating lung cancer, a pulmonary lobectomy may be used to address certain infections, damaged lung tissue and other serious pulmonary conditions.
At Tampa General Hospital, our cardiothoracic surgery team provides advanced surgical care to patients from Brooksville, Spring Hill, Crystal River and surrounding communities.
Procedures are performed at TGH Brooksville, using minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate. Consultations, evaluations and follow-up appointments with specialists can be scheduled at locations throughout the region. We are focused on helping patients achieve the best possible outcomes with a focus on safety, recovery and long-term lung function.
What is a Lung Lobectomy?
A lobectomy procedure involves removing one of the five lobes of the lungs. Three lobes are located in the right lung and two in the left lung. During surgery, the surgeon carefully disconnects the affected lobe from its blood vessels and airway before removing it. The remaining lung tissue gradually expands then adapts to help maintain breathing function.
Our surgeons utilize several advanced surgical approaches tailored to each patient's condition and anatomy.
Thoracotomy (Open Lung Surgery)
A traditional thoracotomy is a form of open lung surgery. It involves a large incision between the ribs on the left or right side of the chest to provide direct access to the lung. The ribs may be spread apart and sometimes, a section of the ribs must be removed for the surgeon to gain access to the affected area. A thoracotomy may be recommended when tumors are larger, more complex or located in areas that require enhanced surgical visibility.
Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) Lobectomy
A video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) lobectomy is a minimally invasive approach to thoracotomy. While the traditional thoracotomy requires a large incision and spreading of the ribs, a VATS lobectomy does not. Instead, it is performed with a tiny camera (thoracoscope) and specialized surgical instruments through several small incisions in the chest, which allows the surgeon to perform the procedure without the need for a large incision.
The small incisions used in a VATS lobectomy mean patients benefit from less postoperative discomfort, a reduced hospital stay, faster recovery and an earlier return to daily activities.
A surgeon will discuss whether traditional thoracotomy or a VATS procedure is the most appropriate surgical approach based on a patient’s diagnosis and treatment goals.
When Is a Lobectomy Recommended?
A lobectomy may be recommended when a condition affects only one section of the lung and removing that lobe offers the best chance for treatment or symptom relief.
Common conditions treated with lung removal surgery include:
- Early-stage non-small cell lung cancer
- Selected lung tumors, including some metastatic tumors
- Damaged or infected lung tissue
- Bronchiectasis
- Certain congenital lung abnormalities
- Localized fungal or bacterial infections
For many patients with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer, a pulmonary lobectomy is considered the standard surgical treatment because it removes the cancer while preserving the remaining healthy lung tissue.
What Is Recovery Like After a Lobectomy?
A lobectomy is considered major surgery because it removes an entire lobe of a lung and requires general anesthesia and hospitalization. As a result, a period of recovery should be expected.
Recovery after lung surgery varies from patient to patient, but most individuals spend several days in the hospital following the procedure. During this time, the care team closely monitors healing, pain management and lung function.
Common aspects of recovery include:
- Deep breathing exercises to support lung expansion and prevent pneumonia
- Walking and light activity soon after surgery
- Pain management strategies
- Follow-up appointments to monitor healing
- Avoiding exposure to chemical fumes, tobacco smoke and people who may have an active cold or the flu
Many patients are concerned about breathing after lung surgery. While some temporary shortness of breath is common during recovery, the remaining lung tissue typically adapts over time, allowing many patients to resume their normal routines within a few weeks.
However, the overall lobectomy recovery time depends on the surgical approach, overall health and the complexity of the procedure. Patients who undergo minimally invasive surgery often experience a shorter hospital stay after lobectomy and a quicker return to normal activities compared to a traditional lobectomy. Full recovery for open lung surgery may take eight weeks or longer.
What Are the Risks of Lung Lobectomy?
Like all major surgical procedures, a lobectomy carries potential risks. Possible complications of lung surgery may include bleeding, infection, air leaks from the lung, pneumonia, blood clots and irregular heart rhythms. Your surgical team will discuss the specific risks of lobectomy based on your individual health profile.
For patients undergoing lung cancer surgery, outcomes are often favorable when cancer is detected and treated at an early stage. Advances in surgical techniques, imaging and multidisciplinary cancer care continue to improve long-term outcomes and survival rates.
Can You Live Normally After Part of Your Lung is Removed?
Many patients can return to normal daily activities after recovery. While lung tissue does not grow back after surgery, the remaining lung tissue often adapts over time, helping maintain breathing function and quality of life.
The best approach for recovery after lung resection includes following post-surgical instructions, practicing deep breathing and coughing exercises, engaging in daily light activity such as walking and getting adequate rest.
Expert Lobectomy Care From Diagnosis Through Recovery
Patients undergoing a lobectomy at Tampa General Hospital are cared for by an experienced cardiothoracic surgery team of thoracic surgeons, pulmonologists, oncologists and rehabilitation specialists who work together to develop individualized treatment plans. From the initial consultation through postoperative recovery, our focus is on delivering expert care that addresses each patient’s diagnosis, overall health and long-term goals.
As Florida’s premier academic health system affiliated with USF Health, Tampa General offers access to advanced surgical expertise at TGH Brooksville, as well as innovative treatment approaches and comprehensive support services throughout the region. Whether a patient requires minimally invasive lung surgery or a more complex procedure, our multidisciplinary team is committed to providing coordinated care and guidance at every stage of the treatment journey to patients in Brooksville, Spring Hill, Crystal River and other nearby communities.
Prioritize your long-term health today and schedule a consultation to learn more about lobectomy options at TGH.