What Is a Lung Biopsy and Why Am I Having It? Huntsman Cancer Institute is the only hospital in the entire Mountain West region using the robotic Intuitive da Vinci® Surgical System for thoracic surgery. Use a humidifier in your bedroom during the winter months. Read our resource Call! You will stay in the hospital until your doctor feels you’re ready to go home. This will help you notice any changes once you’re at home. Your chest tube will be removed when your lung is no longer leaking air and the drainage from your tube has decreased enough. This will help you to regain full arm and shoulder movement. If your pain isn’t relieved, tell your doctor or nurse. Talk with your doctor or nurse about possible side effects and when you should start switching to over-the-counter pain medications. WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW: Thoracoscopy (thor-ah-KOS-kah-pe) is a procedure to look inside your chest cavity using an endoscope. Don’t take tub baths until you discuss it with your doctor at the first appointment after your surgery. It’s important for you to resume your activities after surgery. You can eat your normal diet. During this time, you'll be weaned from a ventilator, have chest tubes that were inserted after surgery removed, and … For example, use them when you bathe, brush your hair, and reach up to a cabinet shelf. Be sure to stand straight. Avoid strenuous activities, such as bicycle riding, jogging, weight lifting, or aerobic exercise, until your doctor says it is okay. If you need a letter to go back to work, contact your doctor’s office. Sometimes, the drainage may start again after it has stopped. You may find that you can’t control some of these feelings. You may have some numbness below and in front of your incisions. Try not to nap during the day. Try to walk each day. Below are examples of ways you can help yourself recover safely. You may cover the area with a gauze bandage if it weeps or rubs against clothing. A nurse will be monitoring your body temperature, pulse, blood pressure, and oxygen levels. Increase your activities each day as much as you can. It is a type of minimally invasive surgery. Ask your doctor for a different pain medicine. When you increase your activity, monitor your body’s reaction. While surgical resection offers the best chance of a cure for those with early-stage lung cancer, the traditional open-chest approach (called a thoracotomy) typically requires five to seven days of recovery in the hospital, with an extended recovery at home. Bring your arms over your head, straighten your elbows, and stretch toward your upper back. Smoking causes the blood vessels in your body to become narrow. After surgery for a serious illness, you may have new and upsetting feelings. Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. A chest tube is a flexible tube that drains blood, fluid, and air from around your lung after surgery. In a scalenectomy, the scalene muscles—which pass through the thoracic outlet—are removed to reduce compression on the nerves, arteries, and veins in the area. Look at your incisions with your nurse before you leave the hospital. Drink 8 (8-ounce) glasses (2 liters) of liquids daily, if you can. Exercise for at least 30 minutes each day. These will help to relieve the pain on the side of your surgery. You may also have appointments with other doctors after your surgery. Your nurse will explain the best way to recover from your surgery. Ask to speak to the thoracic surgeon on call. Try to hold the position for 5 seconds. Follow the guidelines below. Smoking cigarettes is harmful to your health at any time. Your chest may be sore where the doctor made the incisions and put in the surgical tools. Change the water often. Taking too much acetaminophen can harm your liver. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your body is an excellent guide for telling you when you have done too much. They will offer you a nicotine replacement therapy to make you more comfortable while you’re in the hospital. When should I start doing arm and shoulder exercises? If you take aspirin or some other blood thinner, ask your doctor if and when to start taking it again. Read more. If you haven’t had a bowel movement in 2 days, call your doctor or nurse. Eating a balanced diet high in protein will help you heal after surgery. Walking 1 mile each day, which is 14 laps around the unit while you’re still in the hospital, is a good goal. You will learn how to safely recover from your surgery. Do the stretching exercises described in the “What exercises can I do?” section below. The tube enters your body between your ribs and goes into the space between your chest wall and lung (see Figure 1). Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is a surgical procedure that allows doctors to see inside the chest and lungs. A biopsy helps physicians narrow down an accurate diagnosis, which can inform your available treatment options. Your surgeon does this operation through two to four small cuts in the side of your chest, one about 2 ½ inches … If your doctor prescribed antibiotics, take them as directed. After 48 hours, if you don’t have any drainage, you can remove the bandage and keep your incision uncovered. MSK cancer experts are here to help. Climb stairs slowly, resting or stopping as needed. A temperature of 101° F (38.3° C) or higher, Pain that doesn’t get better with your medications, Drainage from your incision that is smells bad or is thick or yellow (like pus). We read every comment, but we're not able to respond. Many people say they felt weepy, sad, worried, nervous, irritable, and angry at one time or another. For more information, read our resource Constipation. For a smooth recovery and to help prevent further illness, follow these tips: Diet Eat well … You may still have some pain when you go home and will probably be taking pain medication. Do light household tasks. Sit in a straight-backed chair with your feet flat on the floor. Patients generally stay in the hospital for one day to recover from the surgery and anesthesia. Minimally invasive robotic surgery for lung, esophageal, and mediastinal resections achieves several benefits for patients, such as shorter hospital stays, less post-operative pain, and a lower chance of complications. You have pain that does not get better after you take pain medicine. Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is a minimally invasive surgical technique used to diagnose and treat problems in your chest. However, it’s normal for your pain to increase slightly as you increase your level of activity. Both over-the-counter and prescription medications are available to treat constipation. Time for full recovery after surgery largely depends on two factors: 1. Bilateral video-assisted thoracoscopic thymectomy appears to have improved recovery time and comparable rates of remission to more invasive approaches, though more high-quality long-term outcomes studies are needed. For more information, read the “How can I prevent constipation?” section below. Write down any questions you have and be sure to ask your doctor or nurse. Having a temperature of 101° F (38.3° C) or higher. If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed. You will have more than 1 incision after your surgery. The length of time each person has pain or discomfort varies. The consultant surgeon will check your wounds and assess how well you are managing. You may get a prescription for pain medication before you leave the hospital. The best exercise is walking, climbing stairs, or doing another kind of aerobic exercise for at least 30 minutes each day. A mild pain reliever such as acetaminophen (Tylenol. During this time a respiratory therapist will visit with you, encouraging you to take deep breaths to reduce the risk of infection. Getting enough sleep will help you recover. Your doctor will tell you if and when you can restart your medicines. Try not to nap during the day. Try to avoid constipation and straining with bowel movements. Taking it when your pain first begins is more effective than waiting for the pain to get worse. MSK is now offering COVID-19 vaccine to patients age 65 and over who live in New York State and are in active treatment with MSK on or after 1/1/19. Rather, they operate between the ribs, which may result in less pain and a quicker recovery for many people. Family and friends can help. The amount of time you will need to recover depends on the surgery you had. Start with 1 of the following over-the-counter medications first: If you feel bloated, avoid foods that can cause gas, such as beans, broccoli, onions, cabbage, and cauliflower. If it gets wet, change the bandage as soon as possible. Check with your doctor before you do any heavy lifting. to learn about what you can do to stay safe and keep from falling while you’re in the hospital. He or she will also give you instructions about taking any new medicines. Recovery from a Thoracoscopy After the procedure, the chest tube must remain in place for at least two to three days, or until your lung fully expands without any leaks. This is normal. Drinks with caffeine, such as coffee and soda, pull fluid out of the body. VATS also is different from open surgery because it does not require the doctor to cut through the ribs or breastbone (sternum). ... Sun KL, et al. It uses a special video camera called a thoracoscope. By the time you’re ready to leave the hospital, your surgical incision(s) will have started to heal. If you have drainage, keep wearing a bandage until the drainage stops. Surgery can take a lot of strength and energy out of you. Do not take a bath for the first 2 weeks, or until your doctor tells you it is okay. While patients are in the hospital, staff follow their progress with chest x-rays and remove chest tubes once the lungs have healed. Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is a surgical operation involving thoracoscopy, usually performed by a thoracic surgeon using general or local/regional anaesthesia with additional sedation as necessary. Use the arm and shoulder on the side of your surgery in all of your activities. Always balance activity periods with rest periods. During this appointment, your doctor will discuss the pathology results with you in detail. Similar t… Look at your incision(s) with your nurse before you leave the hospital so you know what it looks like. Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Stopped taking narcotic pain medication (pain medication that may make you drowsy) for 24 hours. The hospital stay for open surgery is longer than it is for VATS. This will help you get stronger, feel better, and heal. Taking a shower before bed and taking your prescribed pain medications can also help. Slowly twist the upper part of your body to the right side. Take enough medication to do your exercises comfortably. Talk with your nurse about how to manage constipation. You will talk about this during your first appointment after your surgery. A: One of the many benefits of VATS is a shorter hospital stay and a faster recovery. Keep track of when you take your pain medication. Cleveland Clinic is one of the few centers in the nation with significant experience in … You may also feel tightness, itching, numbness, or tingling around the incision for up to 3 months. For the surgeon, the robotic system may provide more maneuverability and more precision when moving the instruments than standard VATS. Walking helps prevent blood clots in your legs. Comparative study of video-assisted thoracic surgery versus open thymectomy for thymoma in one single center. I had the surgery on Wednesday (just before Thanksgiving), was walking (and eating two Thanksgiving dinners) on Thursday, went home on Saturday and went to work on the following Wednesday. VATS (video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery) uses smaller surgical cuts than traditional lung surgery. A chest tubeis placed in your chest during surgery, and usually, stays in place for 24 to 48 hours. Clasp your hands together (see Figure 2). Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS): What to Expect at Home, David C. Stuesse MD - Cardiac and Thoracic Surgery. Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness. Remove your bandages and use soap to gently wash your incisions. Make sure that you understand exactly what your doctor wants you to do. Plan your activities for times of the day when you have more energy. Normally, you shouldn’t lift anything heavier than 10 pounds (4.5 kilograms) for at least 3 weeks. This will help prevent pneumonia. This is sometimes called minimally invasive surgery. For more information, read our resource. A lobectomy—removal of a lobe in a lung—is major surgery usually offered as a treatment for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). For more information about signing up for a MyMSK account, watch our video How to Enroll in MyMSK: Memorial Sloan Kettering's Patient Portal. It is a form of 'keyhole' surgery which can be used to do a number of different surgical procedures. You can use MyMSK to send and receive messages from your healthcare team, view your test results, see your appointment dates and times, and more. This usually gets better after 2 to 3 weeks. When can I start doing other kinds of exercise? Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is a way to do surgery inside the chest using several small cuts (incisions) instead of one larger incision (open surgery). You will gradually start eating your normal diet again when you’re ready. Medical Review:Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & David C. Stuesse MD - Cardiac and Thoracic Surgery. Do your breathing and coughing exercises every 1 to 2 hours while you’re awake. Try to walk around after surgery. Your doctor will take these out 1 to 2 weeks after your surgery. Walking and stair climbing are excellent forms of exercise. RATS is similar to VATS in terms of less pain, blood loss, and recovery time. Do not stop taking them just because you feel better. Grasp the towel behind your back and lift upward as far as possible (see Figure 4). Usually, this is when there’s less than 350 cubic centimeters (cc) of drainage per 24 hours. The operating time and postoperative recovery time in VATS is shorter than those in open surgery. Your feedback will help us improve the information we provide to patients and caregivers. Or VATS may have been done to operate on other organs in your chest. VATS Lobectomy Leads to Speedy Recovery. Your first appointment after surgery will be 1 to 3 weeks after you leave the hospital. Don’t smoke. How long will my recovery be? This is done with a thoracoscope, a thin, flexible tube with a light and a small video camera on the end.The tube is put in through a small cut made near the lower end of the shoulder blade between the ribs. At first, you will get tired easily but this will improve slowly and steadily over the next few weeks. If you think your pain medicine is making you sick to your stomach: Take your medicine after meals (unless your doctor has told you not to). The thoracoscope transmits images of the inside of your chest onto a video monitor, guiding the surgeon in performing the procedure. Sign up for MyMSK to send your questions and receive answers to your most pressing concerns. The recovery time for VATS is relatively short compared to most surgical procedures. If you don’t already have a MyMSK account, you can sign up by going to my.mskcc.org. If this happens, it’s a good idea to seek emotional support. It’s common to have less energy than usual after your surgery. Your level of conditioning and function prior to surgery Recovery from lung cancer surgery can vary significantly from a couple of weeks to several months. Rest is a vital part of your recovery. Thoracoscopy is a procedure a doctor uses to look at the space inside the chest (outside of the lungs). Take your medications as directed and as needed. If you have questions about your care, contact your healthcare provider. Many patients can return to work within two to three weeks. Your doctor and nurse will ask you about your pain often and give you medication as needed. Pat the areas dry with a towel after showering, and leave your incisions uncovered (unless there is drainage). Don't Fall! Rest when you feel tired. In minimally invasive heart surgery, heart (cardiac) surgeons perform heart surgery through small incisions in the right side of your chest, as an alternative to open-heart surgery.Surgeons don't cut through the breastbone (sternotomy). From radiation therapy to clinical trials to check-ins with your doctor, your care is made as convenient as possible. Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd. It may ache or feel stiff for up to 3 months. If your stomach is upset, try bland, low-fat foods like plain rice, broiled chicken, toast, and yogurt. Try to hold the position for 5 seconds. You may have trouble passing stool (feces). Traditional lung operations are performed through a thoracotomy (a long incision on the side of the chest), which involves spreading the ribs. You need to take the full course of antibiotics. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. ©2006-2020 Healthwise, Incorporated. That means it uses smaller cuts (incisions) than traditional open surgery. Don’t drive or drink alcohol while you’re taking prescription pain medication. You can shower 48 hours after your chest tube is removed. Ask your doctor how long you should avoid heavy lifting. Supply is limited. This helps to reduce pain and prevent blood clots in people with neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome. Cleveland Clinic thoracic surgeons offer a less invasive surgical approach called a video-assisted lobectomy for select patients as … VATS provides adequate visualization despite limited access to the thorax. After the intensive care unit you will be moved to step down. Your diet should include a healthy protein source at each meal, as well as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. It’s always a good idea to let these professionals know how you, your family, and your friends are feeling emotionally. Read the pathway handout that your nurse gives you to see what to expect and how to help your recovery while you’re in the hospital. It depends on the type of work you do and the surgery you had. The amount of time you will need to recover depends on the surgery you had. Follow your doctor or nurse’s instructions for stopping. If you have not had a bowel movement after a couple of days, ask your doctor about taking a mild laxative. This depends on the type of surgery you had. You will probably need to take at least 1 to 2 weeks off from work. The location of your incisions will depend on the type of surgery you had. Whether you’re in the hospital or at home, the nurses, doctors, and social workers are here to help you and your family and friends handle the emotional aspects of your illness. Increase your activities each day as much as you can. It may take some time until your normal sleep pattern returns. Don’t take more acetaminophen than the amount directed on the bottle or as instructed by your doctor or nurse. Start doing arm and shoulder exercises as soon as your chest tube bandage is removed. This decreases the amount of oxygen that reaches your wounds as they’re healing. Create a custom communication board for patients who are not able to use their voice. If you have strips of tape on the incisions, leave the tape on for a week or until it falls off. You have sudden chest pain and shortness of breath, or you cough up blood. You will have some pain after your surgery. For more resources, visit www.mskcc.org/pe to search our virtual library. Walking every 2 hours is a good goal. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. After your stay in the PACU, you will be taken to your hospital room. As your incisions heal, you will have less pain and need less pain medication. To do the exercises, follow the instructions below. Hold this position for 5 seconds while bringing your elbows as far back as possible. Your nurse, doctor, and social worker can reassure, support, and guide you. Hold this position for 5 seconds while bringing your elbows as far back as possible. Sometimes, your doctor may want you to stay in the hospital for another day after your chest tube is removed. The first 24 hours will be in the intensive care unit. Keep your incision covered with a bandage for 48 hours after your chest tube is removed, unless the bandage gets wet. Your usual bowel pattern will change after surgery. Still, the most important factor in the success of either type of thorascopic surgery is the surgeon’s experience and skill. Always balance activity periods with rest periods. These things can cause infection. If you have any questions, contact a member of your healthcare team directly. 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