Overview

Wedge resection is a type of lung surgery where a small, triangular piece of lung tissue is removed. This surgery is often done to remove a lung nodule, tumor, or damaged tissue, especially when it is small and localized. It is considered a less invasive alternative to removing an entire lobe of the lung (lobectomy), and often performed through minimally invasive techniques such as VATS (Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery).

Why Wedge Resection (Lung Surgery) Procedure is Required?

To remove suspicious lung nodules that may be cancerous or precancerous.

To treat early-stage lung cancer when the tumor is small.

When lung function is limited, and larger surgery like lobectomy may not be safe.

To diagnose or treat non-cancerous lung conditions like infections or inflammation.

As part of a biopsy procedure to confirm a diagnosis.

Key Advantages of Wedge Resection (Lung Surgery) Treatment

Preserves more healthy lung tissue compared to lobectomy.

Suitable for high-risk patients who cannot tolerate major surgery.

Can be performed using thoracoscopic wedge resection (VATS), reducing recovery time.

Offers a diagnostic and therapeutic solution in one procedure.

Often has fewer complications and a shorter hospital stay.

How Should You Prepare Yourself Before Wedge Resection (Lung Surgery) Treatment

Medical evaluation: Get lung function tests, imaging (CT scans), and blood work done.

Quit smoking (if applicable) to improve lung healing after surgery.

Discuss medications with your doctor—some blood thinners may need to be stopped.

Eat light meals and follow fasting instructions before surgery.

Arrange support for help during post-operative recovery at home.

How Wedge Resection (Lung Surgery) Treatment is Performed?

Surgery can be done through a thoracotomy (open chest) or minimally invasive VATS.

A small section of lung (in wedge shape) is removed, containing the abnormal tissue.

If done by VATS lung wedge resection, small incisions and a camera are used for precision.

The lung is checked for bleeding or leaks, and then the chest is closed with sutures.

In some cases, a chest tube is placed to drain air and fluid.

What You Can Expect Before, During and After Procedure?

1. Before Procedure:

Detailed consultation and lung function assessment.

You may be admitted a day before surgery.

Fasting for at least 6–8 hours before the procedure.

2. During Procedure:

General anesthesia is given.

Either VATS or open surgery is performed.

The procedure typically takes 1–2 hours.

3. After Procedure:

You will be monitored in the recovery room or ICU.

A chest tube will help drain fluid for a few days.

Most patients stay in the hospital for 3–5 days.

Breathing exercises and light movement will begin early to support lung recovery.

Risk and Potential Complications

Air leaks from the lung, which may need chest tube support for longer.

Bleeding or infection at the surgical site.

Pain in the chest or shoulder.

Pneumonia or lung infections post-surgery.

Reduced lung capacity in some cases, though usually mild.

Possibility of tumor recurrence if not fully removed.

Results/Outcomes

Many patients resume normal activities within a few weeks.

Lung function after wedge resection often remains strong, especially with VATS.

Faster recovery time than larger lung surgeries.

Effective treatment for early lung cancers with good survival rates.

Helps avoid more radical surgery when appropriate.