Lung surgery (thoracotomy)


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Lung surgery (thoracotomy)


Picture of three types of lung surgery

Three types of lung surgery differ by how much lung tissue is removed.

  • Wedge resection (also called a segmentectomy): A wedge-shaped section of the affected lung is removed.
  • Lobectomy: The affected lobe of the lung is removed.
  • Pneumonectomy: The entire affected lung is removed.

Credits


Primary Medical Reviewer Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Michael Seth Rabin, MD - Medical Oncology
Last Updated June 4, 2008

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