What is the surgical procedure for removing an entire lung called?

The surgical procedure for removing an entire lung is known as pneumonectomy. This procedure is typically performed in cases of lung cancer, severe lung disease, or trauma that has affected the lung's functionality. During a pneumonectomy, the entire lung on one side of the chest is removed, which may be necessary to eliminate cancerous tissue or to free up space in cases where other treatments have failed.

Understanding this procedure is essential for respiratory care professionals as it has significant implications for a patient's recovery and long-term respiratory function. After a pneumonectomy, the patient usually undergoes rehabilitation and may need assistance to adapt to the decrease in lung capacity. Other surgical options such as lobectomy involve removing only a portion of the lung, making them different from pneumonectomy both in scope and purpose. It's also important to differentiate from procedures like thoracotomy, which refers to creating an incision in the chest wall rather than removing lung tissue.