Ask a doctor - What are the side effects of lung surgery?

Q. What are the side effects of lung surgery?

Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.

Answered by Secondmedic Expert

Lung surgery, like any surgical procedure, can bring about various side effects. These can range from minor discomforts to more serious complications. Here are some common side effects:

1. Pain and Discomfort: After lung surgery, it's normal to experience pain and discomfort around the surgical site. This can be managed with pain medications prescribed by your doctor.

2. Difficulty Breathing: Since the lungs are involved, you may initially experience some difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. This can be due to the trauma caused by the surgery and will typically improve as you recover.

3. Coughing: You might have a persistent cough after lung surgery. This is often your body's way of clearing out any mucus or fluids that have accumulated in the lungs during and after the surgery.

4. Fatigue: Surgery takes a toll on your body, and you may feel more tired or fatigued than usual. It's essential to rest and give your body time to recover.

5. Risk of Infection: As with any surgery, there is a risk of infection at the surgical site. Your healthcare team will take precautions to minimize this risk, but it's essential to watch for signs of infection such as fever, increased pain, or redness/swelling around the incision.

6. Bleeding: Some bleeding from the surgical site is normal, but excessive bleeding could indicate a problem and should be reported to your healthcare provider immediately.

7. Changes in Lung Function: Depending on the type of surgery and the reason for it, you may experience changes in lung function. This could manifest as decreased lung capacity or changes in your ability to breathe deeply.

8. Scarring: Surgery leaves scars, and lung surgery is no exception. The size and visibility of the scar will depend on the type of surgery performed and your body's healing process.

9. Nerve Damage: There is a risk of nerve damage during lung surgery, which could lead to numbness or tingling in the chest or arms. This is usually temporary but should be monitored by your healthcare provider.

10. Blood Clots: Surgery and decreased mobility afterward can increase the risk of blood clots forming in the legs (deep vein thrombosis) or traveling to the lungs (pulmonary embolism). Your healthcare team will take steps to prevent this, such as encouraging movement and possibly prescribing blood-thinning medications.

It's crucial to communicate openly with your healthcare team about any concerns or symptoms you experience after lung surgery. They can provide guidance and support throughout your recovery process.