Surgery for non-small cell lung cancer is recommended for early-stage lung cancer treatment as it provides the best chances for a complete cure . This type of surgery is extremely complicated and can only be performed by an experienced oncologist. Before going ahead with the surgery, the doctor will conduct certain pulmonary function tests to ensure the patient is in good enough health, as a part of their lung or accompanying tissues has to be removed.

Additionally, heart health is also examined. If the cancer has spread to lymph nodes, then surgery is not advised:

1. Types of surgical treatments for son-small cell lung cancer
Lung cancer treatments are not limited to a single type of surgery. Here are the different types of surgeries that are done to remove malignant cells from the affected lung:

• Lobectomy: A person’s lungs are made up of a total of five lobes. In this surgery, the lobes with the cancerous cells are removed. This is the most common type of surgery done for non-small cell lung cancer.
• Segmentectomy: In some cases, a patient’s health will not withstand the removal of an entire lung lobe and therefore, only a section of the affected lobe is removed.
• Pneumonectomy: In this surgical procedure, the entire affected lung is removed. A pneumonectomy is advised only in cases where the tumors are too close to the center of the chest.
• Sleeve resection operation: In some cases, the surgeon will try to save the lung by cutting away only a part of the airways in the affected area and then sewing the remaining parts together. This surgery helps preserve more lung function.

It is important to note that in all of the above procedures, lymph nodes neighboring the affected lungs also get removed during surgery. The lymph nodes removed are often healthy, but they need to be taken out to search for signs of the cancer having spread. Surgical lung cancer treatments require general anesthesia. Depending on the patient’s health, the doctor will always try to perform a more extensive operation to provide a better chance to cure the cancer.

2. Complications of surgery as lung cancer treatment
Lung cancer surgery is not without its fair share of risks. Complications that can commonly set in immediately after the surgery include:

• Blood clots in the lungs or the legs
• Pneumonia
• Reactions to anesthesia
• Excess bleeding

3. Post-surgery tips to follow
Post surgery, there are some important tips to follow to ensure that the surgical wounds heal properly. These are:

• If you still have a chest tube, clean around it once a day.
• Follow your doctor’s specific instructions when changing the dressing and get help if required.
• Do not undertake any heavy work, such as yard work, for at least six to eight weeks post-discharge.
• Keep a pillow pressed against your stitches while sneezing or coughing to prevent sudden jerks.
• Take pain killers and any other medication as prescribed without fail.
• Quit smoking and avoid being around people while they smoke.