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General
What is lung volume
reduction surgery?
This procedure reduces the total lung volume and improves
pulmonary function in the significantly incapacitated
patient with emphysema. The surgery involves the removal
of multiple wedges of emphysematous lung tissue.
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What tests may be required
before my surgery?
You will be scheduled to have certain laboratory blood
tests, a chest X-ray, chest CAT scan, pulmonary functions
test (breathing tests), arterial blood gases, lung perfusion
scan and possibly an MRI. A swallowing test and other
specific tests may be ordered if your surgery will involve
the esophagus.
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During and After Surgery
What can I expect during
my hospital stay?
Most patients spend their first post-operative day in
the intensive care unit. Thereafter they are transferred
to the Thoracic Cardiovascular floor. Respiratory therapy
will assist you with breathing exercises and treatments.
You will be ambulating and taking a general diet the
day after your operation. The length of time you will
be in the hospital will depend on the type of your surgery
and your pre-operative medical health status.
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What type of pain control
will I have?
During surgery you will have general anesthesia. You
will be in a sleep state and free of pain. An epidural
analgesia may be offered that decreases the sensory
feelings of pain in the chest. This pain control is
for post-operative pain. A patient controlled analgesic
(PCA) pump is another way medication can be dispensed
by yourself when you are having pain. Oral analgesics
will be administered during your hospital stay and prescriptions
medications for your recovery at home.
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Will I have a chest tube
after surgery?
A chest tube is inserted during surgery to drain fluids
and blood from the chest cavity. It also aids in the
re-expansion of your lung. Most chest surgical interventions
will require an insertion of a chest tube. The chest
tube stays in place an average of two to three days.
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What if I need rehabilitation
after my procedure?
Pulmonary rehabilitation generally is started in the
hospital in the form of respiratory treatments and early
ambulation. Longer-term rehabilitation can be arranged
with the assistance of our thoracic staff. Pulmonary
rehabilitation (pre- and post-surgery) is a requirement
for patients scheduled for lung volume reduction and
lung transplant.
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Will I have a breathing
tube in after my surgery?
The breathing tube, an endotracheal tube, is inserted
prior to your surgery while you are already going into
a sleeping state. Generally that tube is removed in
the operating room before you are transferred to the
recovery room. Certain respiratory airway guidelines
must be met before the tube is removed.
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Will I need oxygen after
surgery?
Some patients, especially those who have been on oxygen
prior to surgery, may require oxygen after surgery.
Oxygen therapy may be needed during the early post-operative
time or only during periods of activity.
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What can I expect during
my hospital stay?
Most patients spend their first post-operative day in
the intensive care unit. Thereafter they are transferred
to the thoracic cardiovascular floor. Respiratory therapy
will assist you with breathing exercises and treatments.
You will be moving around and eating a general diet
the day after your operation. The length of time you
will be in the hospital will depend on the type of your
surgery and your pre-operative medical health status.
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