A Patient's Guide to Lung Surgery

Thoracotomy: Preparing for Surgery

During thoracotomy, your surgeon directly views your lungs and the area around them. Surgical procedures may be done, such as removing part or all of a lung if a mass is present. Your surgeon will give you instructions on how to get ready for the procedure and explain what the surgery can do to help treat your condition:

• Have blood tests or other routine tests that your doctor recommends.
• Ask your doctor about donating your own blood in advance of surgery.
• If you smoke, stop immediately.
• Tell your doctor about any medications you're taking (including aspirin), and ask if you should stop them.
• Don't eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your surgery.

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