Common FAQ:

What are the Common Reasons for Lung Surgery?

Surgery is often done to get a closer look at the inside of the lungs and to help treat lung problems. If a mass is found in the lung, surgery can help determine its cause. If necessary, the mass may also be removed. Surgery may be done for other conditions, as well, such as collapsed lung or fluid around the lung.

A Lung Mass

A Collapsed Lung
If a portion of the lung wall is thin or ruptured, air may leak into the pleural space. When air collects in the pleural space, the lung may collapse. This is known as collapsed lung or pneumothorax.

Fluid Around the Lungs
Fluid may collect in the area around the lungs. One common cause of fluid around the lungs is a lung infection, which may be a complication of certain types of surgery or an illness such as pneumonia. During surgery, tubes can be placed in the pleural space to drain fluid and help the lungs heal.

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The lungs are surrounded by the rib cage so how is Lung Surgery performed?

Lung surgery involves entering the chest wall to get to the lung. There are two ways to do this. Your surgeon will choose the method that’s best for your condition.

Video-assisted thoracoscopy (key-hole surgery) uses several small incisions (1 to 2cm). The surgeon places a thin tube containing a camera through one incision and can view the lungs on a video monitor.

Thoracotomy uses a larger incision in the chest (about 15cm). This opening allows the surgeon to see the lungs directly.

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What are common tests that are required for the Evaluation?

To help your doctor evaluate your lungs and diagnose your condition, a variety of tests may be performed. You may already have had some of these tests, and others may be scheduled before your surgery. Your doctor uses the information gathered during these tests to help determine the best course of action for your condition.

Imaging Tests

• Chest x-rays
• CT (computed tomography) scans
• PET (Positron emission tomography)

Visualization and Biopsy Tests

Bronchoscopy, which is done using a thin, lighted tube (bronchoscope) inserted through the nose or mouth to examine the breathing passages at the entrance to your lungs. Percutaneous fine needle aspiration to remove a small piece of tissue from the abnormal area so that a microscopic examination can de done to make a histological diagnosis.

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What is the role of Surgery for Lung Cancer?

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths is males, and third commonest cause of cancer deaths in females, behind breast and colon cancer, in Singapore. The best chance for cure is early detection and early stage. The stage of a cancerous lung mass is based on the size of the cancer and how far it has spread. In early stages, cancer may be confined to one small area of the lung. In later stages, it may spread within the lungs or through the lymph nodes to other parts of the body. Methods to assess the stage of the cancer involves asking the patient some simple questions, physical examination, X-rays and simple surgery.

Once the stage has been determined, the best treatment method can be chosen. Three methods are available to treat lung cancer. One method or a combination of methods may be used.

• Surgery removes part or all of a lung to eliminate the cancer and this offers the BEST CHANCE FOR CURE
• Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells.
• Chemotherapy uses a combination of drugs to destroy cancer cells.

Dr Wong will also need to assess whether the patient is fit to undergo the surgery that is proposed.

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