Surgery is most commonly used for non-small cell lung cancers that are small and have not spread. Before any operation you may need to have further tests to assess your ability to cope with the surgery.

There are two main types of surgery for lung cancer; lobectomy and pneumonectomy. The type of operation chosen will depend upon the size and position of the tumour.

Removal of a lobe of the lung, as shown in the diagram below, is called a lobectomy.

Removal of a whole lung, as shown below, is called a pneumonectomy.

Occasionally, in people who have other lung diseases, a very small amount of the lung is removed. This is called a wedge resection (shown below). This operation is not done very often.

People are often worried that they will not be able to breathe properly if their lung has been removed. This is not so. It is quite possible to breathe normally with only one lung, but people who had breathing difficulties before the operation may be more breathless afterwards. Breathing tests, to measure how well your lungs work, will be done to help you and your doctor to decide whether an operation is right for you.

Before any operation, make sure that you have discussed it fully with your doctor so that you understand what it involves.

Surgery is sometimes combined with radiotherapy or chemotherapy.

It can take many weeks to recover fully from a lung operation, although some people recover more quickly than others. There are things you can do to help speed up your recovery. After your operation you will be encouraged to start moving about as soon as possible. This is an essential part of your recovery. Even if you have to stay in bed, it is important to keep up regular leg movements to help your circulation and prevent blood clots. A physiotherapist will visit you on the ward regularly, to help you with breathing exercises to prevent chest infections and other possible complications.

X-rays will be taken regularly to make sure your lung is working properly.

A drip (intravenous infusion) will be used to give you fluids for a couple of days, until you are able to eat and drink normally again.

You will also have drainage tubes in your wound. These are usually taken out about 2–7 days after your operation, depending on your recovery. The wound will usually be around the side of your chest between two ribs. It will be covered by a dressing, which the nurses will check.

It is quite normal to have some pain or discomfort after your operation. This can usually be controlled by painkillers. Let your doctor or one of the nurses know if you have any pain, so they can treat it as soon as possible. Mild discomfort, or pain, in your chest can last for several weeks and you will be given some painkilling tablets to take home with you.

You will probably be ready to go home about 5–10 days after your operation. If you think that you might have problems when you go home – for example, if you live alone, or have several flights of stairs to climb – it is important to let one of the nurses or the hospital social worker know this when you are admitted to the ward. They can arrange for help when you go home.

When you go home, you will need to exercise gently to build up your strength and fitness. It is a good idea to check with your doctor, or physiotherapist, which types of exercise would be suitable for you. Walking and swimming are good exercises that are suitable for most people after treatment for lung cancer.