Possible lobectomy complications range from minor infections to complete lung collapse. This selection from the eMedTV archives discusses several lobectomy complications, including information on the groups of people who are most at risk.
Infections after lobectomy can range from mild skin infections to more serious infections inside the chest. This eMedTV article discusses possible treatments (like antibiotics, more surgery, or another chest tube) for infections with lobectomy.
As this eMedTV Web page explains, some bleeding with a lobectomy is normal. Uncontrollable bleeding, however, can be very serious, and it may require a blood transfusion or another surgery. This page discusses bleeding following lobectomy.
Although it is a rare complication of lobectomy, a heart attack can occur with this surgery. As this eMedTV segment explains, a heart attack with lobectomy can happen if an area of the heart doesn't get enough oxygen, and the muscle dies.
A stroke is one of the possible complications of lobectomy. This selection from the eMedTV library focuses on what can cause a stroke during lobectomy and lists possible aftereffects of a stroke, such as speech and moving problems.
This section of the eMedTV library lists possible lung problems that may occur after lobectomy, such as pneumonia, lung failure, bleeding, and others. Lung problems after lobectomy occur more commonly in people who already have lung disease.
As this eMedTV page explains, lobar torsion with lobectomy is when part of the remaining lung twists around inside your chest (in some cases, twisting so much that it cuts off its own blood supply). This page covers the treatment for this condition.
As this eMedTV article explains, if your lobectomy is converted to a pneumonectomy, the surgeon will remove more than one lobe of your lung, or even the entire lung. This article explains why a possible conversion to pneumonectomy would occur.
After your lobectomy, your lung will probably leak air for a few days. As this page of the eMedTV site explains, an air leak following lobectomy occurs in the area that the tissue was cut away, and usually stops leaking once it heals.
This eMedTV segment describes how a lung collapse following lobectomy can occur when there is a buildup of fluid and air in the chest space, leading to increased pressure inside the lung. This page looks at this possible complication of lobectomy.
As this eMedTV article explains, irregular heart rhythms don't happen very often after a lobectomy. If they do, they are usually brief and don't cause any problems. This article describes the possible types of irregular heart rhythms with lobectomy.
After your lobectomy, you will have a large scar on your chest. As this eMedTV page explains, abnormal scars sometimes occur, but their appearance has nothing to do with the outcome of the surgery. This page discusses abnormal scars and lobectomy.
As this eMedTV page explains, a bronchopleural fistula after a lobectomy may result in fever, breathing difficulties, and coughing up blood. This portion of the Web site offers more information on bronchopleural fistulas and lobectomy.
As with any surgery, there are medication risks with lobectomy. This eMedTV article describes possible symptoms of allergic reactions, such as skin rashes and anaphylaxis. Be sure to tell your doctor about all of your allergies before the procedure.
Some people experience wound breakdown after a lobectomy. As this portion of the eMedTV site explains, if your wound does not heal well, it may require more attention and result in a thicker scar. This page discusses wound breakdown and lobectomy.
It is possible to have blood clots following a lobectomy, especially if you have had blood clots before. This eMedTV segment highlights the different types of blood clots that can occur after a lobectomy, such as a deep vein thrombosis.
This section of the eMedTV archives describes common symptoms of nerve injury with lobectomy, such as pain in the muscles or a loss of feeling. In rare cases, these nerve injuries can cause long-term damage and disability.
