 This
information is intended to provide a better understanding
and appreciation by our patients and their families of the
events surrounding operations on the chest and lung. We hope
you find it interesting and informative while helping you
understand the importance you play in maintaining your good
health.
A thoracotomy
is a surgical procedure allowing the surgeon to access your
lungs prior to removal of all or part of your lung (pulmonary
resection). An incision will be made on the side of your
chest, running behind your shoulder blade, depending on
the location of your lesion. Once your lung is exposed,
the amount of lung tissue removed is contingent on the type,
size and location of the lesion. The breathing tests you
complete prior to surgery help ensure you will be able to
tolerate a pulmonary resection.
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A. Wedge Resection/Segmentectomy
With this procedure, only a small part of the lung is
removed. It is used most often if the lesion proves to be
non-cancerous or if the lesion is small and peripherally
located.
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B. Lobectomy
Often times an entire
lobe of a lung must be removed. The
left lung is divided into an upper and
lower lobe. The right lung has an upper,
middle, and lower lobe.
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C. Pneumonectomy
If there is concern that cancer may have spread throughout
the left or right lung, or the lesion is located centrally,
the whole lung may need to be removed. |
PREPARATION
FOR SURGERY
Pre-surgical
Tests
Prior to
your surgery, you will report to Pre-admission Testing on the
2nd floor of Medical Plaza East. Most of the required blood tests
and procedures will be completed there. If you are a "Courtesy
Bed Admission," many of these tests will be performed at
the Inn at St. Thomas. If you wish to use the services of the
Inn, please discuss this with your surgeon or nurse during your
preoperative visit.
You MUST
stop smoking at least two weeks before your surgery. If you smoke,
you are more likely to have medical problems, such as pneumonia,
after your operation. Smoking cessation programs are available
through St. Thomas Pulmonary Services at (615) 222-6742. Please
feel free to contact your family physician about other smoking
cessation aids such as nicotine patches, nicotine gum, nicotrol
inhalers, and medications. If smoking is continued, surgery will
be canceled until the two-week time frame is attained.
If you are
over 40 or have a family history of heart disease, you may need
an electrocardiogram (a test to record the electrical activity
of your heart), to ensure there is no worrisome problem with your
heart. If there are concerns, your surgeon may ask you to see
a cardiologist prior to your operation. In addition, depending
on your special needs, you may be directed to another area for
further testing.
Prior to
your operation, an anesthesiologist will talk with you about your
medical history and discuss medicines and procedures related to
anesthesia.
Date
and Time of Surgery
Your surgeon
or nurse will notify you of the date and approximate time of your
surgery. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to call us
at (615) 385-4781.
Preoperative
Teaching
A nurse or
respiratory therapist will teach you breathing and coughing exercises
that are extremely important following your operation. These exercises
are one of the most important things you can do to speed your
recovery and help prevent postoperative complications. It is your
responsibility to accomplish your breathing exercises at least
every hour while you are awake in the hospital!
Diet
before Surgery
Do NOT eat
or drink anything after midnight! You may brush your teeth and
rinse your mouth with mouthwash, but be sure not to swallow. While
you are asleep under anesthesia, you could vomit and inhale into
your lungs any substance that is in your stomach. This is why
it is extremely important that your stomach be empty when you
come to the operating room.
Preparing
your Skin
Because you
may not feel like washing your hair for several days after surgery,
you may want to wash you hair the night before. After washing
your hair, take a shower or bath. Use an antibacterial soap and
carefully scrub your chest, neck, underarms and back. Do this
the night before and the morning of your surgery. After your shower
or bath, DO NOT put anything on your skin. This includes no powders,
lotions, or deodorant.
Packing
for the Hospital
Bring the
following items with you to the hospital:
This educational
pamphlet and incentive spirometer
Medications
you take at home (in their original bottles!)
Basic toiletries, such as a comb, toothbrush, toothpaste
Slippers
and a bathrobe
DO NOT bring
credit cards, money, jewelry or other valuables. If you have valuables,
please ask your nurse to contact St. Thomas Hospital Security
so they can be secured during your stay. You will be issued a
receipt for your belongings.
DAY
OF SURGERY
Getting
Ready for Surgery
·
Put on a hospital gown. It is the only thing you can wear to the
operating room.
· Make sure you are NOT wearing anything that can come
off during surgery such as dentures, partial plates, eye glasses
or contact lenses, jewelry, bobby pins, hair clips, wigs, or any
removable prostheses.
· Go to the bathroom and empty your bladder
· You will be helped onto a stretcher or taken by wheelchair
to the holding area for final surgery preparations. Your family
will not be able to accompany you to this area.
In the
Holding Area
