Preparing for Pneumonectomy

When preparing for a pneumonectomy, it's important to make a list of all the medications you take, including vitamins and supplements. Following the surgery, most people stay in the hospital for several days, so you should ask someone to drive you to and from the hospital. Part of preparing for a pneumonectomy typically includes not consuming anything for at least eight hours before your operation.

Pneumonectomy Information

Preparing for Pneumonectomy: An Overview

As part of preparing for a pneumonectomy, 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 bring a list of the medicines you take right now, including:

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

Make a note of what time 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 pneumonectomy. 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 pneumonectomy is done in the hospital. Following the surgery, 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.