Surgery

Although most patients with pneumonia do not require invasive therapy, patients with abscess, empyema, or certain other complications may require such treatment.

Surgery (Thoracotomy)

Thoracotomy is the standard surgery for pneumonia. It requires general anesthesia and an incision to open the chest and view the lungs. This procedure allows the surgeon to remove dead or damaged lung tissue. In severe cases, the entire lobe of the lung can be removed. This is called alobectomy. Remaining healthy lung tissue re-expands after surgery to make up for any removed tissue.

Chest Tubes

Chest tubes are used to drain infected pleural fluid. Tubes are not typically required for pneumonia or abscesses. The tubes are inserted after the patient is given a local anesthetic. They remain in place for two to four days, and are removed in one quick movement. It can be very distressing, although some patients experience no discomfort. Complications of chest tubes include infection, accidental injury of the lung, perforation of the diaphragm, and fluid build-up within the lung if the pleural fluid is removed too rapidly. Removing the chest tubes may cause the lung to collapse, requiring the reintroduction of a chest tube to inflate the lung.

Click the icon to see an illustrated series detailing chest tube insertion.