Robotic lung surgery is a minimally invasive approach, similar to VATS (video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery), which generally means a shorter and easier recovery compared to open-chest surgery. Most people spend around 2 to 5 days in the hospital, followed by 1 to 6 weeks recovering at home depending on how much lung Show Full Answer
Robotic lung surgery is a minimally invasive approach, similar to VATS (video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery), which generally means a shorter and easier recovery compared to open-chest surgery. Most people spend around 2 to 5 days in the hospital, followed by 1 to 6 weeks recovering at home depending on how much lung tissue was removed.
Here's what to generally expect during recovery:
- Fatigue is common for a month or two — rest is really important
- Shortness of breath is normal at first; breathing exercises will be encouraged
- Chest stiffness and swelling can last around six weeks
- A chest tube may be placed temporarily to drain fluid, usually removed before you go home As for rib pain — yes, it's very common, and for most people it is manageable. Even minimally invasive surgery can cause some rib discomfort during healing. Some MyLungCancerTeam members have noted rib pain lasting months or even years after surgery, so it's worth being upfront with your care team about it.
Pain management options include:
- Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen
- Prescription medications such as opioids or steroids if needed
- Nerve blocks to reduce pain signals
- Heat and cold therapy — alternating between the two can ease inflammation
- Integrative options like acupuncture, massage, or meditation
Don't hesitate to bring up pain concerns with your doctor — your comfort matters, and they may refer you to a palliative care team specifically for pain management support.
August 19
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