From the Guidelines
You should ask your cardiothoracic surgeon about the surgical approach, expected duration of surgery, hospital stay, and recovery timeline, as well as potential complications and pain management strategies, to fully understand the procedure and recovery process for your upcoming lobectomy for stage I lung cancer. When preparing for a lobectomy, it's essential to inquire about the surgical approach, whether it's a video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), robotic-assisted surgery, or traditional open thoracotomy, and why they recommend that specific approach for your case, as VATS has been shown to have fewer complications and shorter hospital stays compared to open thoracotomy 1. You should also discuss potential complications specific to lobectomy, including air leaks, bleeding, infection, and respiratory issues, along with their likelihood in your particular situation.
Some key questions to ask your cardiothoracic surgeon include:
- What surgical approach do you recommend and why?
- What is the expected duration of the surgery and hospital stay?
- What are the potential complications and how will they be managed?
- What pain management strategies will be used, and how will they be transitioned from hospital to home?
- What post-operative breathing exercises and activity restrictions will be necessary, and when can I return to normal activities?
- What is the follow-up plan, including the frequency of check-ups, imaging studies, and surveillance after surgery? As noted in the American College of Chest Physicians evidence-based clinical practice guidelines, a minimally invasive approach such as VATS is preferred over a thoracotomy for anatomic pulmonary resection in experienced centers 1. Understanding these aspects will help you prepare mentally and physically for the procedure and recovery process.
From the Research
Pre-Surgery Questions
- What type of surgery will be performed (e.g. video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) lobectomy) and why is it recommended for my specific case of stage I lung cancer? 2, 3
- What are the potential risks and benefits associated with the surgery, including the risk of complications and the potential for improved outcomes? 4, 5
- How will my functional status be assessed to ensure that I am a suitable candidate for the surgery, and what tests will be performed to evaluate my pulmonary function and cardiac health? 2
Surgical Technique and Experience
- What is the surgeon's experience with VATS lobectomy, and what is their success rate with this procedure? 4, 5
- How will the surgery be performed, including the number and location of ports, and what are the key steps involved in the procedure? 2
- What measures will be taken to minimize the risk of complications, such as bleeding or infection, and how will these complications be managed if they occur? 6
Post-Surgery Care and Recovery
- What can I expect during the recovery period, including the length of hospital stay, pain management, and follow-up care? 4, 5
- What are the potential long-term outcomes and survival rates for patients with stage I lung cancer who undergo VATS lobectomy, and how will my progress be monitored? 4, 5, 6
- What lifestyle changes or follow-up tests will be recommended after the surgery to ensure the best possible outcome? 6
Oncological Principles
- How will the surgery be performed to ensure that oncological principles are followed, including the individual division of vessels and bronchus, and systematic lymph node dissection? 2
- What measures will be taken to minimize the risk of local recurrence or metastasis, and how will these risks be monitored after the surgery? 2, 6