Segmentectomy Surgery in Delhi, India

Segmentectomy is a surgical operation that involves removing a portion of an organ to treat various types of tumours and cancer. To inhibit the spread of illness, the malignant tissue and a part of the healthy tissue around it are removed. 

Segmentectomy is performed when the development of cancerous tissue or cells is localised in certain places and there are no signs of metastasis. Surgical removal of healthy tissue surrounding the tumour often increases the likelihood of cancer recurrence.

Alternate Name

Segmental resection, tumorectomy, broad excision, or quadrantectomy

Body Location

Any organ or gland, like the lungs, breast, etc.

How Is It Performed?

The person is placed under general anaesthesia at the commencement of the treatment.

The surgeon makes multiple incisions in the affected region to insert a thoracoscope and other surgical equipment. After finding the tumour, the surgeon removes the malignant tissue and the healthy cells surrounding it. Blood vessels and bronchial structures are also severed and blocked up. 

Most surgeons remove any adjacent lymph nodes to limit the likelihood of recurrence. Next, they clean the chest cavity with aseptic distilled water. After the incisions are closed with sutures, the specimens are sent to a pathology lab.

Preparation

• Communicate any concerns you have regarding the surgery to your doctor.
• Make arrangements for any blood tests that your doctor has prescribed.
• You should quit smoking as soon as possible if you do. Avoiding difficulties will be easier.
• Inform your doctor about any prescribed drugs (prescription or over-the-counter), vitamins, or herbal supplements you are taking, especially aspirin. In some cases, your doctor may advise you to stop using certain drugs before your surgery.
• Do not drink or eat the night before your procedure or as recommended.
• On the day of your procedure, arrive at the hospital on time.

Procedure Type

Surgical Procedure

Follow up

Care for cancer patients does not cease when active treatment is completed. Your healthcare team will continue to examine your overall health to ensure that your cancer has not returned. This process is known as follow-up care.

As part of your follow-up treatment, you may undergo regular physical examinations or medical testing. Doctors want to monitor your progress in the following months and years.

Cancer rehabilitation may be advised, which might include physical therapy, vocational counselling, pain management, dietary planning, and/or emotional counselling. The purpose of rehabilitation is to assist people in regaining control of many parts of their life and remaining as self-sufficient as possible.

Risks

Thoracic surgery is typically considered safe. However, like with any operation, there is a slight chance of complications, which include:

• Infection of the wound.
• Long-term air leak, which means a chest tube will be inserted for longer than usual.
• Bleeding.
• Pain or numbness at the location of the incision.
• Pneumonia, a kind of infection.
• Atrioventricular fibrillation or irregular heartbeat. It is usually temporary and controlled with medication.

Recovery

If you had open surgery, you would need to stay in the hospital for five to seven days after a segmentectomy. Your doctor and cancer care team will closely watch you to ensure you are on the mend. 

When you are discharged, your doctor will give you specific instructions on the level of physical activity you can undertake. Patients in recovery are generally asked to refrain from driving or vigorous exercise for a week.

Your respiratory function may also be affected after a segmentectomy. Your doctor will teach you a few deep breathing exercises to overcome shortness of breath or other difficulties. Your healthcare provider will also ask you to follow a wound care diet to speed up the healing process.

Four to six weeks following surgery, many patients get radiation therapy. Radiation treatment might last between four and five weeks.