Our Summary

A female Bernese Mountain Dog had a lump in the middle of her right lung. To remove it, the dog was put under general anesthesia and laid on its left side. The surgeons used a technique that only ventilated one lung during the operation. They performed the surgery using a video-assisted method, making a small cut of 4 centimeters and two smaller openings of 6 millimeters each.

They carefully separated and isolated the blood vessels and windpipe at the base of the right middle lung lobe. Then, they tied off and cut these vessels using a special device that also seals them to prevent bleeding. They did the same with the windpipe.

They successfully removed the lump from the right middle lung lobe without any complications, maintaining a clean separation from the rest of the lung tissue. The video-assisted surgery was effective in removing the lung tumor in the dog.

FAQs

  1. What is video-assisted thoracic surgery anatomical lobectomy?
  2. How was the tumor in the right middle lung lobe removed from the dog?
  3. What is the role of a vessel sealing device in lung surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about lung surgery is to follow all pre-operative instructions carefully, such as fasting before the surgery and stopping certain medications as advised by the doctor. It is also important to inform the doctor of any allergies or medical conditions before the surgery. After the surgery, following post-operative care instructions, such as taking prescribed medications and attending follow-up appointments, is crucial for a successful recovery. It is important to communicate any concerns or changes in symptoms to the doctor promptly.

Suitable For

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

  • Lung cancer
  • Lung nodules or masses
  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
  • Emphysema
  • Lung infections or abscesses
  • Recurrent pneumonia
  • Bronchiectasis
  • Lung cysts
  • Pulmonary hypertension
  • Severe lung damage from trauma or injury

These patients may benefit from lung surgery to remove tumors, infected or damaged tissue, or to improve lung function and quality of life. Surgery may be recommended as a primary treatment or in conjunction with other therapies such as radiation or chemotherapy.

Timeline

  • Pre-surgery: The patient undergoes diagnostic tests such as imaging studies to identify the lung mass. Consultation with a veterinarian or surgeon is done to discuss treatment options. Pre-operative instructions and preparations are made, including fasting before surgery.

  • Day of surgery: The patient is brought to the hospital or clinic and undergoes pre-operative evaluations. Anesthesia is induced, and one-lung ventilation is initiated. The surgical team performs the video-assisted thoracic surgery lobectomy procedure, removing the lung mass.

  • Post-surgery: The patient is monitored closely in the recovery area to ensure stable vital signs and proper breathing. Pain management and antibiotics may be administered as needed. The patient may stay in the hospital for a period of time for observation and further treatment. Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor healing and recovery progress.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with lung surgery?
  2. How long will the recovery process take after lung surgery?
  3. Will I need any special equipment or medications after the surgery?
  4. What type of follow-up care will be required after the surgery?
  5. What are the chances of the lung condition reoccurring after surgery?
  6. How will my breathing and lung function be affected after the surgery?
  7. Will I need any additional treatments or therapies after the surgery?
  8. How long will I need to stay in the hospital after the surgery?
  9. What are the success rates for this type of lung surgery?
  10. Are there any lifestyle changes I should make to improve my lung health after the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Kanai E, Matsutani N, Hanawa R, Takagi S. Journal: J Vet Med Sci. 2019 Nov 29;81(11):1624-1627. doi: 10.1292/jvms.19-0412. Epub 2019 Sep 18. PMID: 31534061