Recovery and rehabilitation after lung cancer surgery

Asthma + Lung UK describes surgery for early-stage non-small-cell lung cancer as lobectomy, which removes one or more lobes, pneumonectomy, which removes an entire lung, and wedge resection, which removes small pieces. Cancer Research UK says the type depends on where the cancer is, how big it is and your general health.

Before surgery, tests check fitness and you meet members of the treatment team. Fitness work before the operation, sometimes called prehabilitation, may be offered, so ask your specialist nurse what is available locally.

Cancer Research UK says that on waking you may have drips for fluids and blood, a chest drain attached to a bottle to drain air and fluid, a catheter and an oxygen mask. It describes soreness as normal for the first week or so, with pain relief delivered by patient-controlled pumps, catheters near the lung or continuous drips.

Good pain control matters for recovery because it lets you breathe deeply and cough, which keeps the lungs clear and lowers the chance of chest infection.

Cancer Research UK says nurses and physiotherapists help you move around as soon as possible, with a typical progression of sitting within 12 hours, walking round the bed by day two and then corridor walking within a few days. Physiotherapists also teach deep breathing and supported coughing.

These early steps are not optional extras. Moving and breathing deeply help the remaining lung expand and reduce the risk of complications such as pneumonia.

Cancer Research UK says you are likely to feel very tired for several weeks and sometimes months after surgery. It recommends building up gradually: spending less time sitting, walking around the house every day, then walking outdoors.

Some breathlessness is common at first. Asthma + Lung UK says it is still possible to breathe normally with one lung or part of a lung removed, and that some initial breathlessness is a normal response. Persistent or worsening breathlessness should be reported.

• Plan rests between activities rather than pushing through tiredness.

• Increase walking a little at a time and keep a record.

• Ask your team about pain that still limits breathing.

Cancer Research UK says your doctor will tell you when you can start driving, which can be 6 to 12 weeks after surgery, with keyhole surgery sometimes allowing an earlier return. Insurance companies vary in their requirements, so check your policy.

A follow-up appointment is usually about 2 to 6 weeks after surgery, the charity says. Asthma + Lung UK says that when treatment ends you should have a follow-up appointment within six weeks to discuss ongoing care.

Pulmonary rehabilitation courses are described by Asthma + Lung UK as exercise classes and education for people with long-term lung conditions. People who also have COPD or other lung disease may be referred; ask your team whether you are eligible after lung surgery.

Asthma + Lung UK also offers a Keep Active video programme at three levels for anyone with a lung condition, with advice to check with a healthcare professional first.

Asthma + Lung UK says other treatments include targeted therapies, immunotherapy, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, which may be given before or after surgery depending on the case. It states target treatment times in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland of beginning treatment within 62 days of referral, with no more than 31 days between agreeing a treatment plan and starting.

The NHS says you will be supported through surgery and recovery by your specialist treatment team and signposts Cancer Research UK for detail on types of surgery.

Contact your surgical team or call NHS 111 for fever, wound redness or discharge, increasing breathlessness, chest pain that is new or worsening, or a swollen, painful leg. Call 999 for severe breathlessness, coughing up blood or collapse.