Our Summary

This study looks at the accuracy of a medical team in deciding if lung surgery is necessary for patients thought to have lung cancer, even if a pre-surgery biopsy (a test to confirm cancer) wasn’t done. This was studied at a single hospital over six years.

The team studied 270 patients who had lung surgery for a lump in their lung that was not clearly cancerous. These surgeries made up almost half of all the cancer surgeries during this time. On average, the patients were around 68 years old, and just under half were men.

After the surgery, tests showed that 10% of the lumps removed were not cancerous. However, 93% of the patients who had a specific type of lung surgery called a lobectomy were found to have cancer. The study found that there were few complications from the surgery.

The study concludes that lung surgery can be done without a pre-surgery biopsy if the medical team is experienced and the patient is thoroughly informed about the procedure. This approach could be a good solution for hospitals where biopsies aren’t routinely done due to limitations in the healthcare system.

FAQs

  1. What percentage of the lumps removed during lung surgery were found to be non-cancerous?
  2. What is the accuracy of the medical team in determining the necessity of lung surgery without a pre-surgery biopsy?
  3. What is the benefit of proceeding with lung surgery without a pre-surgery biopsy according to the study?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about lung resection is to make sure to follow all pre-operative instructions provided by the medical team, such as fasting before surgery and avoiding certain medications. It is also important to discuss any concerns or questions with the healthcare provider before the procedure. Additionally, following post-operative care instructions, such as taking prescribed medications and attending follow-up appointments, is crucial for a successful recovery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for lung resection are those who have been diagnosed with lung cancer or suspected to have lung cancer based on imaging tests such as CT scans or PET scans. These patients may have a lung nodule or mass that needs to be removed for further evaluation and treatment. In some cases, patients may also have other conditions such as lung infections or benign tumors that require surgical removal.

It is important for patients to undergo a thorough evaluation by a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, including pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, oncologists, and radiologists, to determine the best course of treatment. The decision to proceed with lung resection is based on factors such as the size and location of the tumor, the overall health of the patient, and the stage of the cancer.

In the study mentioned above, patients who underwent lung surgery without a pre-surgery biopsy were found to have a high rate of cancer, indicating that the medical team was able to accurately assess the need for surgery based on other diagnostic tests. This approach may be considered for patients in settings where biopsies are not readily available or feasible. However, it is important for patients to be fully informed about the risks and benefits of surgery before making a decision.

Timeline

timeline:

  1. Patient presents with a lump in their lung that is not clearly cancerous.
  2. Medical team evaluates the patient and determines that lung surgery may be necessary.
  3. Patient undergoes lung surgery without a pre-surgery biopsy.
  4. After surgery, tests confirm that 10% of the lumps removed were not cancerous.
  5. 93% of patients who had a lobectomy were found to have cancer.
  6. Few complications are reported from the surgery.
  7. Study concludes that lung surgery can be done without a pre-surgery biopsy if the medical team is experienced and the patient is well-informed.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about lung resection include:

  1. What is the reason for recommending lung resection in my case?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with lung resection surgery?
  3. What is the likelihood that the lump in my lung is cancerous?
  4. Are there alternative treatment options to lung resection that I should consider?
  5. How experienced is the medical team in performing lung resection surgeries?
  6. What is the recovery process like after lung resection surgery?
  7. Will I need any additional treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy, after the surgery?
  8. How will my quality of life be affected after lung resection surgery?
  9. Are there any long-term effects or complications that I should be aware of?
  10. What is the success rate of lung resection surgery for patients in my situation?

Reference

Authors: Whooley J, Weedle R, Breen D, Soo A. Journal: Eur J Surg Oncol. 2023 Sep;49(9):106907. doi: 10.1016/j.ejso.2023.04.006. Epub 2023 Apr 15. PMID: 37080864