Shifting of anatomy after lower left lobectomy

I don’t understand “it will scar
Down”. I also have had left
Lower lobectomy …

I am a bit confused myself. Anatomy is shifting, something pressing on airway and some scarring involved. Will scan again in six months.

So when you and I had a left lower
Lobe lobectomy, as I understand the anatomical response, the mediastinum in the center shifts left a bit -Because it can - and the left upper Lobe collapses/stretches to fill the space previously filled by the lower lobe - as in gravity wins. There’s a space, I’m filling it.

I’m entirely unclear what the pleural
Sac Is doing during these anatomical shifts.

My six month follow up CT described “Left lower lobectomy with associated pleuroparenchymal scarring in the left hemithorax”.

I also have persistent pain in rib cage-diaphragm as if some restriction keeps my lung from fully expanding on deep breaths.

My pulmonologist says “of course you have scarring, you had surgery”. So… he seems unconcerned. It’s like if the image doesn’t show a problem, then nothing is wrong.

*sigh*

Hi, I also had a left lower lobectomy in September 2023. I do have a constant cough that doesn’t seem to go away. The sound of my cough is different, deeper (for lack of a better word). My kids say that they can hear my breathing, like I’ve just been exercising, though I don’t feel short of breath all the time. I’m definitely concern about the long term effects of this surgery for sure. Thanks for sharing.

@diana5 Thank you for sharing too. Your surgery is relatively recent. Have you had a pulmonary function test since then?

Also… Have you noticed shortness of breath when or after you bend over from the waist?

So we’re a club of 3 with the same surgery trying to figure out what we are left with.

Do you mind sharing what kind of cancer your tumor was?

Hi pb50 Pam,
No, I have not had a pulmonary test since the surgery, and all my surgeon said was that I will get a cat scan in March. I have noticed shortness of breath when I come up stairs, which in the past was never a problem.

My surgery was done because I had a carcinoid tumor. I had a biopsy prior to the surgery, and after the results came back, the recommendation was to have a lobectomy. I still have nodules (right lung), which are being followed by Ct scans.

One question that I have is: Will we develop COPD or emphysema after this surgery. It makes me sick just the thought of it because it affects your life in so many ways.

Thank you for asking, and sharing. It sure makes a difference knowing we are not alone dealing with this.

I suspect 9 of 10 had a lobectomy due to a cancerous tumor. Everyone is a little different on the other side of surgery. There is likely to be an area of internal scarring where they took out the lobe - and gasses dont permeate scar tissue so you may notice some minor difference in full capacity - but give it time.
I’m six months past and still improving but more slowly now.

I had a constant cough after surgery as well. My surgery was also to remove a carcinoid tumor and I had to have 2 lobes removed since the tumor was in between my right middle and right lower lobe. Surgery was July 27th 2023 and since I had a cough lasting through October, my surgeon had me back for a bronchoscopy. My lungs ended up being clear. My cough has gotten better but I still cough after meals and exercise but it’s getting better but still annoying at times. Where was your surgery done at?

Hi, So happy your lungs are clear. That is great news!

My surgery was done at St Francis Hospital, Hartford, Connecticut. I’m looking forward to not coughing so much. I guess I have to be patient with my body.

Thank you for sharing.