Our Summary

The use of a surgical procedure called uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) has been growing all over the world, including in Japan. This procedure is simple and cost-effective. It is often used for partial lung resection, which is a surgery to remove part of the lung. This can be done for diagnosis or treatment of various conditions. The research paper talks about how to do this surgery using VATS and points out potential problems that surgeons might encounter.

FAQs

  1. What is uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) and how is it used in partial lung resection?
  2. What are the potential pitfalls of partial lung resection by uniportal VATS?
  3. Why has there been an increase in the use of uniportal VATS in Japan and around the world?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about lung resection is to follow the post-operative care instructions closely, including taking prescribed medications, attending follow-up appointments, and avoiding smoking to promote healing and reduce the risk of complications. It is also important to maintain a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and a balanced diet to support recovery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for lung resection include those with lung cancer, lung nodules, lung infections (such as abscesses or tuberculosis), lung cysts, bullae, and other lung diseases that may require surgical intervention. Additionally, patients with certain benign lung tumors or other conditions that affect lung function may also be considered for lung resection. Ultimately, the decision to perform lung resection will depend on the specific diagnosis and individual patient factors, and should be made in consultation with a thoracic surgeon.

Timeline

Before lung resection:

  • Patient undergoes preoperative evaluations including imaging tests, blood tests, and possibly pulmonary function tests
  • Patient meets with surgeons and anesthesiologists to discuss the procedure and potential risks
  • Patient may need to stop certain medications or make lifestyle changes before surgery
  • Patient is admitted to the hospital on the day of surgery and prepared for the procedure

After lung resection:

  • Patient is closely monitored in the recovery room for a few hours post-surgery
  • Patient may experience pain, discomfort, and difficulty breathing initially
  • Patient is gradually encouraged to walk and perform breathing exercises to prevent complications such as pneumonia
  • Patient may need to stay in the hospital for a few days to a week depending on the extent of the surgery and their recovery
  • Patient will have follow-up appointments with their surgeon to monitor their progress and discuss any concerns.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the reason for recommending a lung resection procedure?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with lung resection surgery?
  3. How long is the recovery period after a lung resection surgery?
  4. Will I need any special post-operative care or rehabilitation?
  5. How will my lung function be affected after the surgery?
  6. Are there any alternative treatment options to lung resection that I should consider?
  7. What is the success rate of uniportal VATS for partial lung resection in comparison to traditional open surgery?
  8. How experienced are you in performing uniportal VATS for lung resection?
  9. Will I need any additional tests or evaluations before the surgery?
  10. How long will the surgery take and what can I expect during the procedure?

Reference

Authors: Hirai K, Usuda J. Journal: Eur J Cardiothorac Surg. 2020 Aug 1;58(Suppl_1):i106-i107. doi: 10.1093/ejcts/ezaa085. PMID: 32243491