Before surgery for lung cancer
This page tells you about what happens before surgery for lung cancer and the tests you may have. There is information about
Your general health
Your doctor will want to do some blood tests to check your health and make sure you are not anaemic. They will probably also want you to have an ECG (electrocardiogram).
Tests for your breathing
If you are going to have part, or all, of a lung removed, the doctor must be sure you will be able to breathe comfortably afterwards. He or she may want you to have lung function tests. These tests measure how much air you can breathe in and out.
When you go into hospital
Before your operation you will see a physiotherapist and a doctor. The physiotherapist will teach you breathing exercises and leg exercises to do after your operation. These will help you to avoid chest infections or blood clots in your legs as you recover.
Remember - no operation can be done without your consent. Before any operation, talk it over fully with your doctor. You need to know what it involves.
Your doctor will want to do some blood tests to check your health and make sure you are not anaemic. They will probably also want you to have an ECG (electrocardiogram). This test is for your heart. It is painless and doesn't take long. A nurse or technician will attach some wires to your chest with suction cups or tape. The wires are attached to a machine that takes a recording of your heart beating.
If you are going to have part, or all, of a lung removed, it is important that the doctor is sure you will be able to breathe comfortably afterwards. They may want you to have some lung function tests. These tests measure how much air you can breathe in and out. They don't hurt, but can be a bit tiring.
Before your operation you will see a physiotherapist and a doctor. The physiotherapist will teach you breathing exercises and leg exercises to do after your operation. These will help you to avoid chest infections or blood clots in your legs as you recover.
The doctor will make sure you know about the operation you will be having. They will ask if you have any more questions. When your questions have been answered the doctor will ask you to sign a form saying that you agree to have the operation.
Remember - no operation can be done without your consent. Before any operation, talk it over fully with your doctor so that you know what it involves.
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