MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia:Pulmonary lobectomy

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Pulmonary lobectomy - series: Aftercare

Pulmonary lobectomy - seriesIllustrations:

Normal anatomy

Procedure

Aftercare

Hospital stay is usually 7 to 10 days. Deep breathing is important to help prevent pneumonia, infection, and re-expand the lung. The chest tube remains in place until the lung has fully re-expanded. Pain is managed with medications. The patient recovers fully in 1 to 3 months after the operation.

Update Date: 5/15/2008

Updated by: Robert A. Cowles, MD, Assistant Professor of Surgery, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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