Our Summary

Mechanical ventilation is a helpful treatment for patients who are having trouble breathing after chest or heart surgery. There are different types of this treatment, such as volume-controlled-ventilation, pressure-controlled ventilation, and a newer, non-invasive method that doesn’t require a tube down the throat. This non-invasive method has been found to be effective in patients with chronic breathing disorders and can help avoid complications like lung injuries or pneumonia that can occur from mechanical ventilation. The Japanese professional medical societies have recommended two tests to decide when to stop using mechanical ventilation. The paper discusses the benefits of mechanical ventilation in patients who have had large parts of their lung removed, have a muscle weakness disease, have had a lung transplant, or have had heart surgery. It’s important to understand not only the benefits of mechanical ventilation, but also the unnatural conditions it creates in the body.

FAQs

  1. What is mechanical ventilation and when is it used following surgery?
  2. What are the different types of mechanical ventilation and how are they classified?
  3. What are the potential complications of mechanical ventilation and how can they be avoided?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about lung surgery is to follow the post-operative instructions carefully, including any recommendations for breathing exercises or respiratory therapy. This can help prevent complications and promote a faster recovery. It is also important to attend all follow-up appointments and communicate any concerns or changes in symptoms to your healthcare provider.

Suitable For

Patients who may be recommended for lung surgery include those with:

  • Lung cancer
  • Severe emphysema or COPD
  • Chronic bronchitis
  • Bronchiectasis
  • Pulmonary hypertension
  • Interstitial lung disease
  • Severe pneumonia
  • Lung nodules or masses
  • Lung abscesses

It is important for patients to undergo a thorough evaluation by a multidisciplinary team including pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, and anesthesiologists to determine if surgery is the best treatment option for their condition. Factors such as the patient’s overall health, extent of disease, and likelihood of successful outcomes will all be taken into consideration when deciding on the best course of treatment.

Timeline

Before lung surgery:

  1. Consultation with a thoracic surgeon to discuss the need for surgery and potential risks and benefits
  2. Pre-operative testing, including chest X-rays, CT scans, pulmonary function tests, and blood work
  3. Pre-operative appointments with an anesthesiologist and other members of the surgical team
  4. Education on the surgical procedure, post-operative care, and potential complications

After lung surgery:

  1. Recovery in the intensive care unit (ICU) or post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) immediately after surgery
  2. Monitoring of vital signs, oxygen levels, and pain control
  3. Gradual weaning from mechanical ventilation with the help of spontaneous awakening trial (SAT) and spontaneous breathing trial (SBT)
  4. Physical therapy to help regain lung function and mobility
  5. Education on post-operative care, including medication management, wound care, and follow-up appointments

Overall, the timeline of a patient’s experience before and after lung surgery involves thorough pre-operative preparation, careful monitoring and support during surgery and recovery, and ongoing care and rehabilitation to promote healing and recovery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What type of lung surgery do I need and why is it necessary?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with the surgery?
  3. How long is the recovery period expected to be?
  4. Will I need to be on mechanical ventilation after the surgery?
  5. What type of ventilation mode will be used during and after the surgery (VCV, PCV, NIV)?
  6. What are the potential complications or side effects of mechanical ventilation?
  7. How will my pain be managed during and after the surgery?
  8. What are the criteria for weaning off the mechanical ventilation?
  9. How will my lung function be monitored during and after the surgery?
  10. How long will I need to stay in the hospital following the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Inoue M. Journal: Kyobu Geka. 2018 Sep;71(10):733-736. PMID: 30310018