WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: What is a pneumonectomy? A pneumonectomy is surgery to remove one of your lungs. How do I prepare for surgery? Your healthcare provider will talk to you about how to prepare for surgery. He may tell you not to eat or drink anything after midnight on the day of your surgery. He will tell you what medicines to take or not take on the day of your surgery. What will happen during surgery? Your surgeon will make a long incision between your ribs from front to back on one side of your chest. Your lung will be removed. Tubes may be put in your chest during surgery to drain extra fluid after surgery. These tubes help your lungs fill with air after surgery. Your incision will be closed with wire and stitches or staples and covered with a bandage. What are the risks of surgery? You may bleed more than expected or get an infection. You may develop an irregular heartbeat. Fluid may build up around your lungs or heart. You may have trouble breathing. You may get a blood clot in your limb. This may become life-threatening. |