After undergoing lung resection, it may take a few months for a person to return to daily activities. Regular rest, gentle exercise, and taking prescribed medications can aid recovery.
Lung resection is an effective treatment for lung cancer, but it can cause some adverse effects, such as shortness of breath and pain. People can fully recover from this surgery, but it takes time.
The time it takes to recover from lung resection can vary, but in most cases, it takes 6 to 12 months to regain pulmonary (lung) function.
Most people feel fatigued for several weeks following surgery, while their chest may be sore, achy, stiff, and swollen.
A person may have stitches or staples at the incision site, which the doctor will remove around 10 days after surgery. In many cases, stitches may be dissolvable and not require removal.
Depending on their general health and the extent of their surgery, people can usually return to their daily activities a few months after the procedure.
Their healthcare team will speak with them about time restrictions for specific activities, such as driving, as this may vary from person to person.
For example, someone who had keyhole surgery may be able to drive sooner, and insurance providers may specify restrictions on driving after lung surgery.
After the surgery, doctors will prescribe pain medication to help people manage the discomfort they will experience due to the lung resection.
People need to take pain medications as doctors have prescribed and at regular intervals, not just when they experience pain.
Individuals recovering from a lung resection may be able to help ease pain and other symptoms with the following steps:
- practicing breathing exercises as a doctor recommends
- maintaining an appropriate posture
- remaining active but avoiding strenuous activities such as heavy lifting, which can harm recovery
The following tips may help improve and speed up a person’s recovery:
- Exercise: People can start with short walks and gradually increase the distance and pace. Doctors may help a person walk around their hospital room as soon as the day after surgery.
- Take prescribed medicines: Follow any prescription drug schedules exactly as a person’s healthcare team recommends.
- Rest: Getting enough sleep and rest is important, although people should try to move around a little more each day.
- Wear loose clothing: Loose, breathable clothing may be more comfortable than tight-fitting clothing.
- Mental health management: It is okay to feel anxious or overwhelmed. Tips to manage these emotions include connecting with friends and family, spending time outdoors, and practicing meditation and relaxation techniques.
- Regularly check the wound: People can use a mirror or ask someone to inspect their surgery wound daily. Doctors may instruct people to keep it clean and dry while avoiding direct contact.
- Consider enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS): ERAS is a patient-centered program that aims to reduce stress and complications while encouraging people to actively participate in their recovery process.
- Avoid strenuous activities: A doctor may recommend refraining from activities such as jogging, weightlifting, or aerobic exercise until recovery is complete.
- Avoid lifting heavy objects: A person needs to avoid lifting anything heavier than a few kilograms until recovery is complete.
- Eat well: The healthcare team may recommend a balanced diet with plenty of protein and other nutrients.
Complications following a lung resection surgery may include:
- infections, including surgical site infections or respiratory conditions, such as pneumonia
- air leak, which occurs when air escapes from the lung into the chest cavity
- lung torsion, a rare condition where part of the remaining lung twists
- collapsed lung
- pain that persists after recovery
- blood clots and pulmonary embolism
- heart complications, such as arrhythmia
- pleural effusion, when fluid builds up between the lung and chest wall
- tumor recurrence
Other potential issues may include bleeding, nerve injury, and allergic reactions to anesthesia.
The outlook after lung resection may depend on factors such as the type of surgery, underlying conditions, and the individual’s health.
While many recover well, long-term adjustments may include reduced lung capacity, which requires pacing during physical activities and possible use of supplemental oxygen.
Pulmonary rehabilitation
People need to contact a doctor as soon as possible if they experience the signs of any serious complications after a lung resection.
While many complications are minor, some, such as pulmonary embolism, blood clots, and infections, can be life threatening without appropriate and prompt treatment.
After lung resection surgery, people need to maintain adequate hydration and follow a balanced diet with enough protein to support wound healing.
If someone has difficulty eating enough due to postoperative symptoms, a doctor may recommend nutritional drinks or eating smaller, more frequent meals.
Doctors usually schedule the first follow-up appointment within 6 weeks of their procedure. After that, follow-up appointments may occur every 3 to 6 months for the first 5 years and then once per year.
Doctors may recommend several breathing exercises to aid recovery after lung resection surgery, including pursed-lip breathing, which involves inhaling through the nose, exhaling slowly through puckered lips, or diaphragm breathing, which involves deep belly breathing.
It can take several months to recover from lung resection. People may also experience chest pain and stiffness for several weeks following their procedure.
People can speak with their healthcare team about any specific restrictions following their recovery, including when they can drive or play sports.
Breathing exercises, taking medication as doctors have prescribed, and eating a balanced diet rich in proteins, fruits, and vegetables may help speed recovery.
