Thrive by IU Health

October 18, 2024

Cardiothoracic surgery improving outcomes for lung cancer patients

IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital

Cardiothoracic surgery improving outcomes for lung cancer patients

The IU Health Ball cardiovascular surgery team, including Dr. Nabeel El-Amir, has recently been seeing great success with lung cancer resection (surgical procedure to remove damaged or diseased lung tissue) patients in the cardiothoracic program.

Cardiothoracic programs that include lung cancer resection are highly specialized and can offer a range of surgical options tailored to the patient’s specific condition and stage of cancer. The care team will evaluate each patient’s condition to determine the best treatment option.

“Patients who undergo minimally invasive approaches, such as thoracoscopic surgery or robotic surgery, experience quicker recovery and less pain post-operation. Avoidance of "rib spreading" which is needed for open incision versus robot patients, helps lessen the pain,” stated Dr. El-Amir.

Over the past several months, Dr. El-Amir’s patients undergoing lung cancer resection, are being discharged from the hospital after a 2-day stay, which is a 50% decrease in length of stay than the national average. This has resulted in improved patient outcomes, patients being able to go home quicker, and is associated with lower risk for complications or readmission.

To also help ensure positive recovery and health outcomes, various types of rehabilitation such as exercise, nutritional education, and relaxation strategies may be suggested prior to surgery to prepare patients for surgery and improve postoperative outcomes. To maintain quality of life after surgery, peri-operative pulmonary, physical rehabilitation, and pain management programs may be recommended by the provider.

Learn more about the IU Health Ball cardiovascular surgery program here.

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IU Health provides screening, diagnosis and treatment options for lung cancer, a disease that develops when cells grow without proper regulation in the lungs to form a mass or tumor.

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