Learning that lung surgery is part of your cancer treatment can feel overwhelming. For many patients, questions about the process, pain, recovery and outcomes come rushing in all at once. According to Dr. Robert Meguid, a CU Medicine thoracic surgeon, one thing is most important for patients to know from the start: you are not alone.
“We are fortunate to have an outstanding multidisciplinary team dedicated to treating lung cancer,” Dr. Meguid says. “Our goal is to deliver high-quality care, improve outcomes, quality of life, and the entire patient journey”
At CU Anschutz and CU Medicine, lung cancer care is truly a team effort. Thoracic surgeons work closely with medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pulmonologists, anesthesiologists, nurses and recovery specialists. Together, they coordinate care and tailor treatment plans to each individual patient.
What Should I Know If I Need Surgery for Lung Cancer?
The first visit is all about creating a personalized plan.
When a patient is referred for lung cancer surgery, the process begins with a comprehensive clinic visit. Dr. Meguid and his team focus on the whole person, not just the tumor.
During this visit, they:
- Review imaging studies such as CT scans
- Discuss overall health, lung function, and personal goals
- Evaluate the cancer’s stage and location
- Determine the best surgical approach based for each patient
From there, the team develops a customized plan that outlines next steps, from preoperative testing through surgery and recovery.
“We walk patients through the entire process so they know what to expect,” Dr. Meguid explains. “That guidance can make a big difference in how patients experience treatment.”
What Happens on the Day of Lung Surgery?
On the day of surgery, patients arrive at the hospital and prepare for the procedure. After changing into a hospital gown, members of the surgical and anesthesia teams meet with the patient, place an IV and complete final safety checks.
Once in the operating room, the team performs a final confirmation of the correct patient, procedure and surgical plan. This pause, known as a “time-out,” is a World Health Organization (WHO) recommended safety practice designed to protect patients.
One unique aspect of lung surgery involves how breathing is managed during the procedure. A specialized breathing tube allows one lung to be temporarily deflated while the other continues to function. This gives the surgeon a clear, still operating field. Patients are carefully positioned on their side, with extensive padding to ensure safety and comfort.
After surgery, the breathing tube is removed as the patient wakes up. Dr. Meguid then meets with family members to explain how the procedure went before the patient transitions to the recovery area. Soon after, patients move to their private inpatient room and begin eating and walking.
“Early walking and deep breathing are critical parts of recovery after lung surgery,” Dr. Meguid says.
How is Pain Managed After Lung Surgery?
Pain management after lung cancer surgery is carefully planned and highly individualized. Dr. Meguid’s team uses a multimodal approach, meaning several types of medications and therapies are combined to control pain while minimizing reliance on opioids.
Pain control begins directly before surgery. After surgery, patients may receive a combination of:
- Lidocaine patches to numb the surgical area
- Acetaminophen and ibuprofen for baseline pain control
- Medications such as pregabalin to reduce nerve-related discomfort
- Small amounts of opioid medication for short-term, breakthrough pain
This approach helps patients stay comfortable enough to walk, breathe deeply, and recover safely.
Most patients spend one to three days in the hospital. At home, pain medications are gradually reduced, and many patients transition off narcotics within the first couple of weeks. By two to three weeks after surgery, most rely only on over-the-counter medications. Within about a month, many no longer need pain medication at all.
While everyone heals at their own pace, patients typically start feeling more like themselves within two to six weeks, with full recovery taking up to three months.
Can Lung Cancer Be Treated Minimally Invasively?
Thoracic surgery has evolved dramatically over the past two decades. Today, most lung cancer surgeries at CU Anschutz are performed using minimally invasive techniques.
“About 85% of lung cancer surgeries we perform are done minimally invasively, most often with robotic assistance,” Dr. Meguid says. "The surgical robot is a tool used by the surgeons, but does not have any autonomy – it provides surgeons with four movable arms with fine instruments that they can control like their own hands. The surgeon places the arms into a patient’s chest, then uses a console to control them while they are sitting next to the patient in the operating room."
Minimally invasive and robotic approaches use smaller incisions, which are often associated with:
- Less postoperative pain
- Shorter hospital stays
- Faster return to daily activities
- Excellent cancer outcomes
For a small number of patients, traditional open surgery remains the safest and most effective option. The surgical approach is always chosen based on what will provide the best outcome for each individual patient.
Lung Cancer Surgery Outcomes and Patient Experience
For Dr. Meguid and his colleagues, successful lung cancer surgery isn’t just about removing cancer, it’s about helping patients feel supported, informed and confident every step of the way.
“Our entire team is dedicated to guiding patients through this journey,” he says. “From diagnosis to recovery, we focus on delivering the highest level of care while improving the overall patient experience.”
Learn about the signs, symptoms and treatment of lung cancer.
