You’ve been told you need lung surgery, now what?
It’s a sentence that can make anyone’s heart race. The good news is that surgery for lung cancer and other lung conditions has come a long way. One of the biggest changes? How surgeons access the lung.
For decades, an open thoracotomy, a large incision between the ribs, was the only option. Today, many patients are candidates for a VATS lobectomy, a keyhole-style operation that’s far less invasive.
So, how do they compare? Let’s break it down.
First, what’s a lobectomy?
Your lungs are divided into sections called lobes. Sometimes, due to cancer, severe infection, or other disease, one lobe needs to be removed. This is called a lobectomy, and it’s one of the most common types of lung cancer surgery.
Open Thoracotomy: The traditional approach
An open thoracotomy involves a long incision along the side of the chest. The surgeon spreads the ribs to reach the lung and removes the affected lobe directly.
Advantages:
- Direct, full access to the lung and surrounding structures.
- Sometimes preferred for complex tumours or when major blood vessels are involved.
Drawbacks:
- Larger incision and more muscle disruption.
- Can lead to more post-operative pain and longer recovery.
- Higher chance of complications like pneumonia if mobility is delayed.
VATS Lobectomy: The modern alternative
VATS stands for Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery. Instead of one large incision, the surgeon makes 2–4 small incisions and uses a camera and specialised instruments to perform the procedure.
Advantages:
- Much smaller incisions equals less tissue damage.
- Most likely less pain after surgery.
- Shorter hospital stays (often 3–5 days versus 5–7 days).
- Potential to return to normal activities faster.
Drawbacks:
- Not always suitable, especially if the tumour is very large or located near critical structures.
- Requires specialist surgical expertise and equipment.
So, which is better?
Here’s the thing, it’s not about one being universally better. It’s about which is better for you.
You might be a candidate for VATS lobectomy if:
Your tumour is relatively small and accessible.
You have good lung function.
You don’t have extensive scarring from previous chest surgery.
Open thoracotomy may be recommended if:
The tumour is large, complex, or in a challenging location. There’s significant involvement of blood vessels or lymph nodes. You need additional procedures at the same time.
Recovery Differences
- Pain: VATS patients typically report less pain, which makes it easier to breathe deeply and move early – both important for recovery.
- Hospital stays: VATS patients may go home a few days earlier.
- Return to normal life: Most VATS patients are usually back to light activities within 2–3 weeks; open thoracotomy patients may need 4–6 weeks or more.
Mr Adrian Pick’s approach
As an experienced cardiothoracic surgeon in Melbourne, Mr Adrian Pick offers both VATS lobectomy and open thoracotomy, tailoring the choice to each patient’s condition, lung function, and overall health.
For some, VATS may be the best option. For others, open surgery may offer the safest, most thorough removal of disease. Either way, the focus is on safe surgery, effective cancer treatment, and a recovery plan that gets you back to life as soon as possible.
Minimally invasive lung surgery in Melbourne
The availability of advanced minimally invasive lung surgery like VATS means patients usually face shorter recoveries and less discomfort than in the past. That’s a big step forward, but it’s important to remember that surgical skill and experience are what make the real difference.
If you’ve been told you need a lobectomy, you deserve to know all your options and to have a surgeon who can perform either technique.
Considering lung surgery? Book a consultation with Mr Adrian Pick, a cardiothoracic surgeon in Melbourne, to discuss whether a VATS lobectomy or open thoracotomy is right for you.