Wheezing After a Lobectomy

The purpose of having a lobectomy is to prevent the spread of cancer within the lungs or to other body parts. Lobectomies additionally treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD. Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are now considered forms of COPD.

Lungs

• Your lungs bring oxygen into your body and then release carbon dioxide.The right lung is composed of three lobes. The lobes are known as the superior lobe, the middle lobe, and the inferior lobe. Your left lung has two lobes, called the superior and inferior.

Lobectomy

• Lobectomy procedures require the surgeon to expose the lung with an incision after the patient has received general anesthesia. Cancerous or diseased lung tissue in a specific lobe is then removed, and any excess fluid is removed with a drainage tube.

Wheezing

• Symptoms of wheezing and shortness of breath often accompany recurrent bronchitis that may result from lobectomy operations. Many patients that receive the operation for treatment of COPD also experience wheezing after the procedure. Oxygen is really the only treatment for this particular symptom.