Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
pneumonectomy
Pronunciation: new-moh-NEK-toh-mee
Complete surgical removal of an entire lung, typically for centrally located lung cancers.
Full Definition
Pneumonectomy involves the complete removal of an entire lung, including all lobes, and is reserved for centrally located tumors that cannot be adequately resected by lesser procedures. This extensive operation carries significant morbidity and mortality risks, particularly related to cardiovascular complications and respiratory compromise. Right pneumonectomy is generally associated with higher operative risk than left pneumonectomy due to the larger lung volume removed.
In Context
- "Right pneumonectomy was performed for the centrally located squamous cell carcinoma." — operative report
- "The patient's pulmonary function tests were adequate to tolerate pneumonectomy." — preoperative assessment
Also known as
complete lung resection
Contrasted with
lobectomy
wedge resection
Don't confuse with
pneumectomy
pleurotomy