Is their impairment after surgery?
Removal of lung tissue necessarily results in some loss of respiratory function. The degree of loss depends on the amount of lung removed and the degree of damage done to the lungs before surgery by cigarette smoking. In most cases, pulmonary function and exercise testing will allow accurate prediction of post- operative pulmonary function. Most patients who do not have severe COPD, will not require oxygen after surgery and will be able to return to work and moderate physical activity. Patients will usually have chest pain in the incision after surgery, and will require mild pain medications. This pain steadily decreases with recovery and is minimal at the end of 6-8 weeks. Some patients will have prolonged or more severe pain.
Frederic W. Grannis Jr. M.D If you have trouble contacting me with the address above, I may also be reached at 76516,2333@compuserve.com and at fgrannis@cris.com |