Pneumonectomy: What It Is and What to Expect
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor provides Pneumonectomy?
A cardiothoracic surgeon, a doctor who operates on the heart and lungs, performs it. An anesthesiologist, a doctor who manages anesthesia, works with the surgeon. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What it is
A pneumonectomy is surgery that removes an entire lung. Lung cancer surgery usually removes all or part of a lung. This is called a lung resection. A lobectomy removes the entire lobe that holds the tumor.
Why a doctor might recommend it
Cancer is by far the most common reason for a pneumonectomy. Doctors usually do it if a lobectomy cannot fully remove the cancer. They also do it if the tumor is in the center of the lung. It may also be used for severe lung inflammation or serious lung injuries.
How to prepare
Common preparation steps include the following.
- Lung tests check if you would still have enough healthy lung left after surgery.
- An EKG is a recording of your heart’s electrical activity.
- An echocardiogram is an ultrasound of your heart.
- Lab work checks that your other organs are healthy enough for surgery.
- Quitting smoking weeks before surgery is strongly encouraged.
What happens during it
You get general anesthesia, which puts you in a deep sleep. Pneumonectomy is usually done through a thoracotomy. In a thoracotomy, the surgeon makes a large cut between the ribs. The surgeon ties off the main blood vessels of the lung to control blood flow. The surgeon then staples the main airway to the lung, called the bronchus. The chest cut is closed layer by layer. A chest drain may be placed, although many cases are managed without a drain.
Recovery
Care right after surgery is ideally given in an intensive care unit. After lung cancer surgery in general, you will need 1 to 7 days in the hospital. The time depends on the type of surgery. Recovering from lung cancer surgery typically takes weeks to months. Your activity might be limited for at least a month or two. Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have trouble breathing, chest pain or discomfort lasting two minutes or more, fainting, coughing up or vomiting blood, or bleeding that will not stop.
Risks and side effects
Problems can include reactions to anesthesia and too much bleeding. Blood clots can form in the legs or lungs. Wounds can get infected. Pneumonia is also possible. The risk of death around the time of surgery is higher than with a lobectomy. Heart rhythm problems are some of the most common complications.
Who performs it
A cardiothoracic surgeon and an anesthesiologist do the operation. Centers that do many of these surgeries generally have better outcomes.
Common questions
Can a person live with one lung?
People whose lungs are otherwise in good condition can usually return to normal activities after some time. You might become short of breath with certain levels of activity after surgery. Your activity might be limited for at least a month or two.
When is a pneumonectomy needed instead of a smaller lung operation?
It is usually done if a lobectomy cannot fully remove the cancer or if the tumor is in the center of the lung. A surgeon may be able to do a sleeve resection instead to keep more lung function.
How long does recovery take?
Recovering from lung cancer surgery typically takes weeks to months. Your activity might be limited for at least a month or two.
How does a direct primary care or concierge doctor fit in?
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
Sources
- National Library of Medicine - StatPearls: Pneumonectomy
- American Cancer Society - Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Surgery
- American Lung Association - Lung Cancer Surgery
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
