Our Summary

This study looked at the outcomes of lung surgery in Jehovah’s Witness (JW) patients, as there is not much data available. The patients were treated at one institution between 2000 and 2020. The researchers looked at the patients’ backgrounds, any other health conditions they had, the details of the surgery, and how they did after the operation. They also looked at details such as how far the cancer had spread, what type of surgery was done, if any other treatments were used, if the cancer came back, and how long the patients lived.

Fourteen patients had a total of seventeen lung surgeries. There were nine surgeries that removed a specific part of the lung and eight that removed a small, localized part of the lung. Most of the surgeries (82%) were done using a less invasive technique, but a few needed to be switched to a more traditional surgery. One patient (6%) died during or shortly after the surgery. Ten of the surgeries were done to treat lung cancer, and two of these patients had surgeries for cancer that came back. The average survival for patients with a type of lung cancer called non-small cell lung cancer was 65 months. Of the six patients who survived the initial period after surgery, three had additional procedures.

The results show that lung surgeries for cancer and inflammation can be done safely in JW patients, even if they need to have more surgeries later on. This is important because some JW patients with operable lung cancers may be denied surgery due to their religious beliefs prohibiting blood transfusions.

FAQs

  1. What is the purpose of this study on Jehovah’s Witness patients undergoing lung resection?
  2. What were the results of lung resections performed on Jehovah’s Witness patients with lung cancer in the study?
  3. Can lung resections for cancer and inflammatory etiologies be performed safely on Jehovah’s Witness patients according to this study?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about lung resection is to follow post-operative instructions carefully to promote proper healing and minimize the risk of complications. This may include avoiding heavy lifting, taking prescribed medications as directed, attending follow-up appointments, and participating in pulmonary rehabilitation if recommended. It is also important to maintain good communication with your healthcare team and report any concerning symptoms or changes in your condition promptly.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for lung resection include those with primary non-small cell lung cancer, recurrent pulmonary malignancies, and inflammatory etiologies that require surgical intervention. In this study of Jehovah’s Witness patients undergoing lung resection, the majority of procedures were performed for primary pulmonary malignancies, with good long-term survival outcomes observed in patients with resected NSCLCs. The study also highlights the feasibility and safety of performing lung resections in Jehovah’s Witness patients, even in the setting of re-operative procedures.

Timeline

Before lung resection:

  • Patient is diagnosed with a pulmonary malignancy or inflammatory condition that requires surgical intervention.
  • Patient and healthcare team discuss treatment options and the risks and benefits of lung resection.
  • Patient may undergo preoperative testing and preparation, including imaging studies, pulmonary function tests, and blood work.
  • Patient may receive blood management strategies in anticipation of potential blood loss during surgery, especially if they are Jehovah’s Witness.
  • Surgery is scheduled and patient is admitted to the hospital for the procedure.

After lung resection:

  • Patient undergoes lung resection, either through anatomic resection or wedge resection, with a majority of cases being approached thoracoscopically.
  • Patient may experience a perioperative death, although in this specific study, only one out of seventeen cases resulted in death.
  • Patient may undergo additional procedures post-resection, such as pulmonary wedge resections for diagnosis or pleural biopsy.
  • Patient is monitored for recurrence of the pulmonary malignancy or inflammatory condition.
  • Patient’s long-term survival is assessed, with a median survival of 65 months for resected non-small cell lung cancers in this study.
  • Patient may require ongoing follow-up care and surveillance to monitor for any complications or recurrence of disease.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with lung resection surgery for my specific condition?
  2. What is the expected recovery time and rehabilitation process after lung resection surgery?
  3. Will I need any additional treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy, after the surgery?
  4. How will my lung function be affected after the surgery, and what can I do to improve it?
  5. What are the chances of the cancer recurring after lung resection surgery?
  6. How often will I need follow-up appointments and monitoring after the surgery?
  7. Are there any lifestyle changes or precautions I should take after lung resection surgery?
  8. Will I need any assistance or support at home during my recovery period?
  9. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider besides lung resection surgery?
  10. What is the long-term prognosis for my condition after undergoing lung resection surgery?

Reference

Authors: Lee ACH, Ferguson MK, Donington JS. Journal: J Cardiothorac Surg. 2022 Oct 20;17(1):272. doi: 10.1186/s13019-022-02024-0. PMID: 36266727