Lung Surgery

One of the most common treatments for lung cancer involves surgical removal of the lobe of the lung, known as pulmonary lobectomy. Traditional thoracotomy and lobectomy require a large incision, often ten inches, and also commonly results in substantial blood loss and a lengthy and uncomfortable recovery. Patients at South Nassau Communities Hospital have access to a new, less-invasive surgical procedure called da Vinci pulmonary lobectomy. For most patients, da Vinci pulmonary lobectomy offers numerous potential benefits over open lobectomy including:

1. Significantly less pain
2. Less blood loss
3. Fewer complications
4. Less scarring
5. A shorter hospital stay
6. A faster return to normal daily activities

As with any surgery, these benefits cannot be guaranteed, as surgery is both patient- and procedure-specific. While the da Vinci Surgical System is considered safe and effective, it may not be appropriate for every individual. Always ask your physician about all treatment options, as well as the risks and benefits of each.

Other thoracic surgeries performed at South Nassau using the da Vinci Surgical System include:

• Wedge resections
• Most procedures for lung cancer that would be done using an "open" surgical method.