Hybrid Lobectomy

[Eco1]

Good evening all. Just giving an update to my recent scare.

In January, following a routine CT scan, I was informed that I have a cavitating mass in the upper lobe of my left lung, with a 50 / 50 chance of it being Cancer.

I have now had all of the investigations completed, including PET scan, Bronchoscopy, Biopsy and EBUS. The PET scan showed increasing growth with the mass measuring just over 5cms and high activity with lymph nodes involvement. However, all of the biopsies have returned as non malignant but infection has also been ruled out.

A Multi-Disciplinary Meeting held on Thursday of last week, could not make a diagnosis and Doctors still feel that the chance of malignancy is 50 / 50. I was called to see the Consultant yesterday to be told the outcome and the conclusion is for the lobe to be removed, to ensure an accurate diagnosis.

I now have to wait to see the Surgeon and have pre-op investigations. I have been told that the Surgeon removes the lobe by means of hybrid surgery, which appears to be a mixture of key-hole and open surgery.

I know there are a few members who have had this surgery but is there anyone who has undergone hybrid surgery?

[sassy59]

I just want to wish you well Eco1. Thinking of you. Xxxx

[Eco1 in reply to sassy59]

Thank you Sassy59

[Lemon7]

I don't have any knowledge or advice to pass on but want to wish you all the best. Hope everything goes well for you.

[Eco1 in reply to Lemon7]

Thank you Lemon7 x

[skischool]

Hi Eco1,i am not sure that you will find anybody on here who has had a thoracoscopic lobectomy given that it is quite an advanced and skilful surgical procedure and i imagine there are a limited number of thoracic surgeons available and fully trained in the technique in the UK

In theory your post op recovery should be far quicker and hopefully less painful than a standard lobectomy and i hope that is so.sorry not much help to you at the moment but wishing you the very best for the procedure and your subsequent post op recovery.

Best wishes Ski's and Scruff's x

p.s i hope i am proved wrong and someone pops on to give you first hand knowledge

[Eco1 in reply to skischool]

Thank you both. I think you may be right. It has proved very difficult to find much information. However, I have discovered that the procedure does tend to suffer dependent on which lobe is being removed. I am trying to remain positive, whatever the outcome.

[Caspiana]

I'm sorry I can't help you Eco1 , but I just want want to wish you well and I hope things turn out okay. Please do let us know how things go. Very best wishes to you.

Cas xx 🙋🐕

[Eco1 in reply to Caspiana]

Thank Caspiana and I will.

[Ergendl]

Wishing you all the best for the procedure and a swift recovery, Eco1.

[Eco1 in reply to Ergendl]

Thank you Ergendl.

[HungryHufflepuff]

I also wanted to wish you well. Hopefully being a somewhat less invasive procedure, your recovery will be more speedy and steady. Thinking of you.

[Eco1 in reply to HungryHufflepuff]

Thank you HungryHufflepuff. I am expecting something in between the standard lobectomy and key hole surgery but am hoping to learn more once I see the Surgeon.

[Alfiebax2]

Hi I had an ordinary upper left lobectomy

I'm wishing you good luck in your procedure and please tell us how you get on .

Best wishes for a quick recovery

Babs xx

[Eco1 in reply to Alfiebax2]

Hi Alfiebax2. Do you mind me asking how long ago did you have your surgery and how long was your recovery please?

[Alfiebax2 in reply to Eco1]

Hello , I had my op in October 2018 . My recovery was pretty quick as I'm a fighter .I was back driving my car after 5 weeks but I was still having to go at a slower pace til I got mystrength back

All in all I was probably back to full strength after 10 weeks . I still got very tired but it is major surgery and that I itself knocks you for six . Hope that helps you but everyone is different and some take longer to get over it .

Best wishes Babs

[Eco1 in reply to Alfiebax2]

That sounds promising. I am a Carer for my daughter so I am worrying what difficulties I may have.

I also have Emphysema and am not sure how the surgery may impact on my breathing.

[Alfiebax2 in reply to Eco1]

I too have severe emphysema and I was on oxygen but since my op I am no longer on oxygen and breathing is so much better .

Babs x

[Alfiebax2 in reply to Eco1]

Ps . I also meant to say that I have a cavity in my right lung and there was infection growing inside it . I too had all the bronchoscopys pet scan and it was decided it was too dangerous to remove mine and to just monitor it

as they said if it was removed the bacteria inside the cavity could spread through out my body .

All the best Babs

[Eco1 in reply to Alfiebax2]

Did they not question if it malignant? Mine is continuing to grow and I have been told that the only way to find out if it is malignant, is to remove the lobe.

Thank you for sharing this information.

[Alfiebax2 in reply to Eco1]

No mine isn't malignant and the cavity has stopped growing. They monitor it so I am looked after

Babs x

[Izb1]

Hi Eco1, this seems like a fairly new procedure and sounds like a quick recovery, your surgeon seems to be advanced so can only put your faifh in them. I wish you all the best, please keep us updated x

[Eco1 in reply to Izb1]

Thank Lzb1 and I will keep you all posted x

[RoadRunner44]

Of course you are a little concerned Eco1 but you are in a unique situation. It appears very few people if any on this forum, have had this procedure so are unable to answer your question.

It's understandable you want to find out as much as possible about this procedure. However, try to be positive, as when this is all over you will be in a position to give us and others, a first hand experience of having this amazing procedure. You are so fortunate that our surgeons have the skill and are capable of doing something so unique tohelp you so, look forward with confidence and re-assurance Eco1, you are in good hands.

Wishing you a quick recovery and looking forward to hearing from you after its all over.

Chrys x

[Eco1 in reply to RoadRunner44]

Hi Chrys. Thank you so much for your positive thoughts. I will keep you all updated with my progress x

[Janzo54]

Hi Eco i cant offer and advice or help either but we are all rooting for you on here. Rubbish what you are going through and hope your procedure goes really well for you. X

[Eco1 in reply to Janzo54]

Thank you Janzo54. Everybody's kind thoughts really help me to remain positive x