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Lung surgery Description:
While the patient is deep asleep and pain-free (general anesthesia), an incision is made between the ribs to expose the lung. The chest cavity will be examined and diseased lung tissue will be removed. A drainage tube (chest tube) is inserted to drain air, fluid, and blood out of the chest cavity and the ribs and skin are closed.
Indications:
Lung surgery may be recommended for:
What to Expect After:
The outcome depends on the type and severity of the problem but many patients recover nicely.
Convalescence:
Hospital stay is usually 7 to 10 days. Deep breathing is important to help prevent pneumonia , infection, and re-expand the lung. The chest tube remains in place until the lung has fully re-expanded. Pain is managed with medications. The patient recovers fully in 1 to 3 months after the operation.
Risks:
Risks for any anesthesia are: Risks for any surgery are: Additional risks of lung surgery include:
Cost:
The costs of any surgery varies significantly between surgeons, medical facilities, and regions of the country. Patients who are younger, sicker, or need more extensive surgery will require more intensive and expensive treatment.
Surgery charges can be separated into five parts: 1) the surgeon's fee, 2) the anesthesiologist's fee, 3) the hospital charges, which includes nursing care and the operating room, 4) the medications, and 5) additional charges.
1. Surgeon's fee: approximately $2,000
2. Anesthesiologist's fee: averages $350 to $400 per hour
3. Hospital charges: basic rate averages $1,500 to $1,800 per day (more for the intensive care unit (ICU) or private rooms)
4. Medication charges: $200 to $400
5. Additional charges: assisting surgeon, treatment of complications, diagnostic procedures (such as blood or X-ray exams), medical supplies, or equipment use.
Insurance coverage for surgery expenses depends on many factors and should be explored for each individual instance.
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