Question

Ann and Michael have been married for 55 years. Ann is 80 years-old, and suffers from lung cancer and advanced Alzheimer's disease. She currently resides in a nursing home, and often does not recognize Michael when he visits. Last night she was admitted to the hospital with difficulty breathing. Today, you are the nurse caring for Ann, and her physician is suggesting surgery to remove part of her lung to potentially slow the progression of her cancer. Michael is feeling unsure about this course of treatment, and asks for your advice and guidance.

How would you respond to Michael and serve as advocate for your patient?

Answer 1

This is a type of cancer that may affect the main airways to the lungs (the bronchi), one or more lobes of the lungs, the pleural lining, or other lung tissue. If not treated, it can spread to other parts of the body.

Lobectomy is a surgery to remove one of the lobes of the lungs. The lungs have sections called lobes. The right lung has 3 lobes. The left lung has 2 lobes. A lobectomy may be done when a problem is found in just part of a lung. The affected lobe is removed, and the remaining healthy lung tissue can work as normal.

After surgery healthcare team will watch vital signs, such as heart rate and breathing. Given pain medicine if needed. A chest X-ray may be done right after the surgery. This is to make sure lung are fine, one or more chest tubes near the cut (incision) to drain air or fluid from the chest. Patient will be taught deep-breathing exercises and coughing methods to help lungs re-expand after surgery. This is to help breathing and prevent pneumonia. may need oxygen for a period of time after surgery.