Left Basilar Atelectasis and consolidation, elevation of left hemidiaphragm

[RichZi]

Your experience with atelectasis and consolidation including elevated diaphragm?

Pulmonologist much better than thoracic surgeon I'm guessing?

My primary referred me to thoracic surgeon for new 12mm lung nodule. The surgeon (seems very highly rated, lots of experience) said the nodule was not suspicious as cancer as was too large and had appeared too quickly (my last scan was 9 months ago).

On diaphragm elevation (9mm) , he could surgically lower the diaphragm and this would fix the lung.

After returning home I researched atelectasis and consolidation and there appear to be several nonsurgical approaches including inhalers, breathing exercisers, antibiotics and antivirals.

I'm a bit concerned the surgeon was fairly short on the topic of my atelectasis and consolidation and described only the surgical approach. He seems very well-regarded in the area with lots of experience with all kinds of lung procedures.

Thank you for any feedback. experience, and advice.

All the best to all of you.

[Jack70]

how could antibiotics and antivirals help unless your condition is a infection or a virus?

I would get second and third opinions on anything a doctor says.

[Ergendl]

If you go to a barber, he'll give you a hair cut. Go to a man with a hammer, he'll solve every problem using the hammer.

Specialists tend to think and speak through the focus of their own expertise. So it would make sense to seek the opinion of another consultant about more conservative methods like exercise and medication, before you have an operation.

[Alberta56]

I'd be cautious about surgery if there are other options available. Surgery is naturally invasive and can leave you with a long and painful recovery time.

[RichZi]

Thank you all for your thoughtful, kind, and helpful comments. I won't rush anything as my breath is good. Thank you, yes 2d opinion! And also, other specialty like pulmonary. Although the surgeon is highly regarded he certainly only thought about a surgical solution. I dealt with surgeons before for other issues who told me it was their job to fix things without surgery and do surgery only when it's necessary. This surgeon though seemed to only refer to surgery......

[jackdup in reply to RichZi]

It’s possible he is correct but as others mentioned get another opinion and ask specifically about alternatives like exercise etc and then you are in a better position to make an informed decision. If the alternatives don’t work then surgery can always be an option once you have exhausted the other alternatives