Lung Resection (Lobectomy & Segmentectomy)
Lung resection is surgery to remove diseased lung tissue, most often for lung cancer or a suspicious nodule. A lobectomy removes a whole lobe of the lung; a segmentectomy removes a smaller segment while preserving more healthy tissue. At FHI it is performed by robotic (da Vinci Xi or SP), video-assisted thoracoscopic (VATS) or open approaches, with lymph nodes assessed where cancer is involved.
Medically reviewed by the Florence Healthcare medical team · Last reviewed June 2026
Overview
The lungs are divided into lobes, and each lobe into smaller segments. A lobectomy removes an entire lobe and is a standard operation for many lung cancers; a segmentectomy removes only the affected segment, preserving more lung function and often chosen for small, early or peripheral tumors or when breathing reserve is limited. When cancer is present, nearby lymph nodes are usually removed or sampled to help determine the stage.
FHI's Thoracic Surgery Center performs lung resection through several routes. Robotic surgery on the da Vinci Xi (multi-port) or single-port SP and video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) are minimally invasive options using small incisions between the ribs; open surgery is used when it is the safer or more complete choice. The right approach depends on the tumor's size and position, your lung function and overall health, and is decided with you. Complex and cancer cases are reviewed at thoracic-surgery and oncology tumor boards with internal and external physicians.
For international patients, a dedicated coordinator arranges your evaluation and our specialists can review your imaging and reports remotely. Before you travel you receive a written plan and a transparent, itemized cost estimate, and the team explains which parts of care are best done on site and how follow-up can continue after you return home.
Who is a candidate?
- Adults with lung cancer or a suspicious nodule confined enough to be removed surgically
- Patients whose breathing tests show they can tolerate removal of lung tissue
- People considering segmentectomy to preserve lung function for small or early tumors
- Those fit enough for general anesthesia and single-lung ventilation during surgery
- Cases confirmed suitable for resection after staging and tumor-board review
What happens
- 1
Assessment and staging
CT and PET-CT imaging, breathing (pulmonary function) tests and sometimes a biopsy confirm the diagnosis and how much lung can be safely removed. Cancer cases are staged and discussed at a tumor board.
- 2
Preparation
You meet the surgical and anesthesia teams and receive instructions on medicines, fasting and, where relevant, stopping smoking and breathing exercises to improve your recovery.
- 3
The operation
Under general anesthesia the surgeon removes the affected lobe (lobectomy) or segment (segmentectomy) using a robotic, VATS or open approach. Lymph nodes are removed or sampled when cancer is involved, and the tissue is sent for pathology.
- 4
Early recovery
A chest drain re-expands the remaining lung and is removed once drainage settles. Pain relief, early walking and breathing exercises help your lungs recover, and the team watches for air leaks and infection.
- 5
Pathology and follow-up
Final pathology confirms the diagnosis and margins and, for cancer, may guide further treatment reviewed again at a tumor board. International patients receive a written follow-up plan to continue at home.
Benefits
- Removes the tumor or diseased tissue and, for cancer, provides tissue and lymph nodes for accurate staging
- Segmentectomy preserves more healthy lung when a smaller resection is appropriate
- Minimally invasive robotic and VATS options can mean less pain and a faster recovery than open surgery
- Approach chosen to fit your tumor, lung function and overall health
- Planning supported by thoracic-surgery and oncology tumor boards
Risks & considerations
- General risks of surgery and anesthesia, including bleeding and infection
- Prolonged air leak from the cut lung surface, sometimes needing the chest drain to stay in longer
- Reduced breathing capacity, especially after a lobectomy or in patients with limited lung reserve
- Pneumonia or other chest infection after surgery
- Chest-wall or nerve pain around the incisions
- Less commonly, an air or fluid collection, or the need to convert a minimally invasive operation to open surgery
Conditions this treats
Where it is performed
This procedure is delivered by our Thoracic Surgery.
Learn more before you decide
Provider-reviewed guides on the related conditions, symptoms and tests in our Health Library.
Lung Resection (Lobectomy & Segmentectomy) — frequently asked questions
A lobectomy removes an entire lobe of the lung and is a standard operation for many lung cancers. A segmentectomy removes only the affected segment, preserving more healthy lung, and is often chosen for small, early or peripheral tumors or when breathing reserve is limited. Your surgeon recommends the extent based on your tumor and lung function.
Often, yes. FHI performs lung resection by robotic surgery (da Vinci Xi or single-port SP) and video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), both minimally invasive, as well as open surgery when that is the safer choice. The approach depends on the tumor's size and position and your overall health.
Most people adapt well because the remaining lung takes over, though some reduction in capacity is expected, particularly after a lobectomy or if lung reserve is already limited. Breathing tests before surgery help predict this, and breathing exercises support your recovery.
Yes. A dedicated coordinator arranges your evaluation and our specialists can review your imaging and reports remotely. You receive a written plan and an itemized cost estimate before deciding to travel.
We provide a transparent, itemized estimate after reviewing your case and do not quote fixed prices online because each plan is individual. Hospital stay is usually a few days but depends on the extent of surgery and your recovery, and your coordinator confirms the timeline.
Related treatments
Considering lung resection (lobectomy & segmentectomy)?
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