A member asked:

What does it mean to get pneumonectomy?

6 doctors weighed in across 2 answers

Entire lung: A pneumonectomy is the removal of the entire lung on one side, usually for lung cancer. Thoracic surgeons now trie to avoid pneumonectomy by performing what are called lung sparing procedures, such as sleeve lobectomy. See a board certified thoracic surgeon before undergoing a pneumonectomy.

Answered 12/4/2014

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One lung removed: Normally your right lung may have 55% of your lung function and left lung 45%. That is for normal lungs. For smokers lungs a v/q scan will give a better idea of the actual specific function per lung. Having only one lung may be tolerated if the expected post op fev1 is over 800cc's or if you were able to climb 2 flights of stairs effortless before surgery.

Answered 10/24/2017

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