ABSTRACT
Right-sided pulmonary resections include pneumonectomy, lobectomy with or without bronchoplastic procedures, segmentectomy, and partial (wedge) resection. These procedures are common and applicable to lung malignancies, inflammatory lesions, and congenital anomalies. In cases of lung cancer involving the main bronchus, right pulmonary artery, pulmonary veins, or left atrium, pneumonectomy has to be a consideration to achieve a curative resection, though an assessment should always be made as to whether a bronchoplastic procedure with or without a vascular resection might be feasible. Lung resection not only changes ventilation but also changes the circulatory condition of the patient because of a decrease of the pulmonary vascular bed. Two major issues exist during the postoperative care of patients with a pulmonary resection. First, the patient is adapting to the change of ventilation and circulation. The second issue is prevention of postoperative complications. The management of bronchial toilet and limiting fluids to avoid overload are important for a good recovery.
