Our Summary

This research paper is about a study that looked into the safety of performing surgery on both lungs at the same time to remove cancer that has spread to them. The study looked at 185 patients who had cancer spread to their lungs and underwent either surgery on one lung (unilateral) or both lungs (bilateral) at the same time.

The findings showed that surgery on both lungs took longer and required more days of drainage than surgery on one lung. However, the rate of complications after surgery and the length of hospital stay were not significantly different between the two groups.

The group that had surgery on both lungs was further divided into two: those who had a minor surgery called wedge resection on both lungs, and another group where one lung had a wedge resection and the other had either a segmentectomy or a lobectomy, which are more extensive surgeries.

The findings showed that the group that had more extensive surgery had a longer operation time. However, there was no significant difference in the length of chest tube use and hospital stay between these groups.

The study concluded that performing surgery on both lungs at the same time appears to be safe, especially if at least one lung only undergoes a less extensive surgery called wedge resection.

FAQs

  1. Is it safe to perform surgery on both lungs at the same time to remove cancer?
  2. Does surgery on both lungs require more recovery time compared to surgery on one lung?
  3. Does the extent of the surgery performed on each lung affect the operation time and length of hospital stay?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about lung resection is to follow their post-operative care instructions carefully, including taking any prescribed medications, attending follow-up appointments, and participating in any recommended physical therapy or rehabilitation programs. It is also important to avoid smoking and to maintain a healthy lifestyle to promote healing and reduce the risk of complications.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for lung resection include those with:

  1. Early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC): Surgery is often recommended as the primary treatment for patients with early-stage NSCLC, especially if the tumor is localized to one lung and has not spread to other parts of the body.

  2. Lung metastases: Patients with cancer that has spread to the lungs from another primary site, such as breast cancer or colorectal cancer, may be recommended for lung resection to remove the metastatic tumors.

  3. Benign lung tumors: Some patients may require lung resection to remove benign tumors such as pulmonary hamartomas or bronchial adenomas that are causing symptoms or are at risk of becoming cancerous.

  4. Lung infections: In some cases, patients with severe and recurrent lung infections, such as bronchiectasis or fungal infections, may be recommended for lung resection to improve their quality of life and reduce the risk of complications.

  5. Lung volume reduction surgery: Patients with severe emphysema or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may be recommended for lung volume reduction surgery to remove damaged portions of the lungs and improve breathing function.

It is important for patients to undergo a thorough evaluation by a multidisciplinary team, including a thoracic surgeon, medical oncologist, radiation oncologist, and pulmonologist, to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for their specific condition.

Timeline

Before lung resection:

  • Patient undergoes various tests and evaluations to determine the extent of the cancer and their overall health.
  • Patient may undergo chemotherapy or radiation therapy to shrink the tumor before surgery.
  • Patient meets with their surgical team to discuss the procedure, risks, and recovery process.

After lung resection:

  • Patient is closely monitored in the hospital for any complications, such as infection or bleeding.
  • Patient may experience pain and discomfort at the incision site.
  • Patient undergoes physical therapy to help regain lung function and strength.
  • Patient is discharged from the hospital and continues to recover at home.
  • Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor the patient’s progress and check for any signs of recurrence.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with lung resection surgery on both lungs at the same time?
  2. How will my recovery process differ if I undergo surgery on both lungs compared to just one lung?
  3. What factors will determine whether I am a suitable candidate for bilateral lung resection surgery?
  4. Are there any alternative treatment options available to me besides surgery on both lungs?
  5. How experienced is the surgical team in performing bilateral lung resection surgeries?
  6. How long will I need to stay in the hospital after undergoing surgery on both lungs?
  7. What is the long-term prognosis for patients who undergo bilateral lung resection surgery?
  8. Will I need any additional treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy, following surgery on both lungs?
  9. How will my quality of life be impacted after undergoing bilateral lung resection surgery?
  10. Are there any lifestyle changes I will need to make in order to optimize my recovery and long-term outcomes following surgery on both lungs?

Reference

Authors: Matsubara T, Toyokawa G, Kinoshita F, Haratake N, Kozuma Y, Akamine T, Takamori S, Hirai F, Tagawa T, Okamoto T, Maehara Y. Journal: Anticancer Res. 2018 Mar;38(3):1715-1719. doi: 10.21873/anticanres.12406. PMID: 29491107