What to expect from lung lobectomy for lung cancer

A lobectomy removes the lung lobe containing the tumour. It may be performed through keyhole incisions or a larger incision, depending on the tumour, anatomy and surgical plan. Nearby lymph nodes are often sampled or removed so the laboratory can assess the disease more fully. A chest tube drains air and fluid while the lung heals. Some soreness, tiredness, cough and breathlessness with activity can occur at first.

The final pathology report helps determine whether additional treatment is needed. Your breathing reserve, scans and general health are considered before surgery.

Tell the team about medicines, lung conditions and smoking. Practise the breathing exercises they teach and follow instructions about eating and drinking before surgery. In hospital, staff encourage sitting out of bed, walking and coughing with wound support. At home, pace activities, continue breathing exercises, protect the incision and avoid lifting until cleared. Keep follow-up visits for wound review, pathology and recovery planning.

Contact your team for fever, increasing wound redness, pus, worsening pain, a sudden change in cough or breathlessness that is not settling. Seek urgent help for severe breathing difficulty, blue lips, chest pain, coughing blood or fainting.

Ask which surgical approach is planned, how lung function will be assessed, how long the chest tube may remain, what activity limits apply, when pathology will be discussed and whether further cancer treatment is expected.