Professional
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
pneumonectomy
Pronunciation: new-muh-NEK-tuh-mee
Complete surgical removal of an entire lung, typically performed for extensive lung cancer or severe lung disease.
Full Definition
Pneumonectomy is the most extensive pulmonary resection, involving removal of the entire lung including all lobes, bronchus, and pulmonary vessels. This procedure is reserved for centrally located tumors that cannot be treated with lesser resections or for extensive disease involving multiple lobes. Post-pneumonectomy patients require careful monitoring for complications including cardiac arrhythmias, respiratory failure, and post-pneumonectomy syndrome.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from pneumonotomy (incision into lung) and pneumonolysis (separation of lung adhesions).
In Context
- "Right pneumonectomy was performed for T4 disease involving the main bronchus." — Surgical report
- "Post-pneumonectomy syndrome developed six months after surgery." — Follow-up note
Also known as
complete pneumonectomy
Contrasted with
lobectomy
segmentectomy
Don't confuse with
pneumonotomy
pneumonolysis