What should I expect after having lung surgery for lung cancer?

Lung surgery requires you to stay in the hospital after the procedure. How long you stay will depend on:

• Your remaining lung function.
• Your overall health before surgery.
• Which type of surgery was done.

Thoracotomy surgery involves making a cut in the side of your chest between your ribs. Your ribs are spread apart so that your surgeon can see into your chest cavity. A small piece of rib may also be removed to make it easier for the surgeon to take out the lung cancer. The incisions and your chest area may be painful for several weeks to months after surgery.

One or more chest tubes are used after surgery to drain your chest cavity of fluid and blood, which are present after lung surgery. The chest tubes also help your lungs refill with air. Chest tubes are placed in your chest cavity and extend out through your chest wall and skin through small cuts between your ribs on the same side as the surgery. The tubes are connected to a machine that creates a gentle suction, which helps your chest fluid to drain. The fluid is collected in a container that measures the amount of fluid draining from your chest. The chest tubes will be removed when the drainage from your chest has stopped and no air is leaking from your chest incision, which is usually after a few days.

A respiratory therapist will help you with breathing treatments to improve your lung function after surgery. Treatments usually involve deep breathing and the use of a spirometer. Medications may also be used to help open your airway and help you breathe more easily.