Preparing for Lobectomy

Before your lobectomy, your doctor should tell you how to prepare yourself and what to expect for the day of and the first few days following the surgery. Part of preparing for lobectomy typically includes not eating or drinking anything for at least eight hours before your operation. If you smoke, you will need to stop before the surgery. It is also important to provide your doctor with a list of your current medications.

Lobectomy for Lung Cancer

An Overview of Preparing for Lobectomy

As part of preparing for a lobectomy, your healthcare provider should give you specific instructions, telling you where and when to arrive at the medical facility, how to prepare yourself, and what to expect the day of and the days following your procedure.

Make sure to make a list of the medicines you take right now, including:

Prescriptions from your doctor
Over-the-counter medications
Supplements, like vitamins or herbal formulas.

Make a note of what time you take your medicine and how much of each medicine you take. Also tell your healthcare provider if you have any allergies. This is important for every visit with your doctor and any time you need to go to the hospital.

You might need to stop taking some kinds of medicine before the lobectomy. If you smoke, you need to stop smoking before the surgery.

You will also be asked to not eat or drink anything for at least eight hours before your operation.

A lobectomy is done in the hospital. Following the lobectomy, most people need to stay in the hospital for about five to seven days. Some people need to stay longer. You may want to have someone drive you to the hospital and help you get settled in. Also, most people need someone to drive them home when leaving the hospital.