Can A Collapsed Middle Lobe Be Revived While Having Lung Tumor In The Upper Lobe?

Posted on Wed, 14 Sep 2022

Question: my mother was having lung tumor in the upper lobe, tumor was removed after surgery. After surgery her middle lobe is collapsed and even after 20 days of surgery middle lobe is still collapsed not recovering from spirometery excercise. what we can do in her case to resurrect the middle lobe? Doctor's are saying it can cause infection if middle lobe doesn't recover "is this true"? please provide your opinion.

Answered by Dr. Sumanth Amperayani (5 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It is true - the collapsed lung might behave as a nidus for infection

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I am sorry for your mother's diagnosis and the issue of persistent middle lobe collapse.

It is true - the collapsed lung might behave as a nidus for infection.

The best option will be -
1. Regular chest physiotherapy.
2. Breathing exercises.
3. Usage of incentive spirometer at home with three balls. In this sucking in air is more important than blowing out air.

Regards,
Dr. Sumanth Amperayani

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Sumanth Amperayani (2 hours later)

Generally how many months it take to resurrect the middle lobe if patient is doing spirometery and breathing exercises? secondly doctors are suggesting us to do the chemotherapy but her lobe is still in collapsed state. should patient go through chemotherapy ? as per my knowledge chemotherapy can also increase the rate of infection and lobe is still not resurrect. should we do it or not ?

Answered by Dr. Sumanth Amperayani (11 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Go ahead with chemotherapy - its life saving

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

1. It might take 6 weeks to 6 months.

2. Please go ahead with chemotherapy as it's life saving. If infections do occur, we can deal with them with antibiotics.

Regards,
Dr. Sumanth Amperayani

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D