Recovery from any surgery can be challenging, whether big or small. Surgery is harsh on the body. Post-surgery, you may have to do things differently for a while to help your body heal. You may also need the help of friends and family for certain tasks until you’re back to your usual self.

Robotic lung surgery is a minimally invasive surgery that uses an intuitive robotic system for surgical assistance through video. With this surgery, people get curative surgery without large incisions or their ribs being spread. You will have less damage from incisions with a faster recovery and fewer complications.

Despite it being a less harsh surgical option, your body still will need to recover. Once you’re at home, what should you expect?

• Your doctor will ask you to be very active by walking 5 to 6 times per day. The activity helps the recovery process.
• You will be advised to use your incentive spirometer at least 2 to 3 times per day.
• You will have a prescription for pain medication. No driving while on narcotics.
• You cannot lift anything heavier than 5 to 8 pounds for 2 weeks.
• It’s encouraged that you try to stretch your arms over your head often.
• You may experience drainage from the chest tube site, which is normal. If it continues and is producing a foul smell, the doctor should be notified.
• You can shower after the chest tube is removed.
• You can clean the incision with soap. It should be gently patted dry. Baths are not allowed for 2 weeks after surgery.
• If you have a frequent cough, you can take Robitussin.
• If you experience pain/burning/numbness/tingling sensation in upper back, shoulder, under breast, and abdomen, you can add Motrin (600mg every eight hours) or Aleve (take as directed) to your pain medication. Talk to your doctor about what medication and dosage is right for you.
• You may experience hypersensitivity of the skin, which is normal.
• Your pain medication may cause constipation. If a bowel movement doesn’t occur at least every other day, you can take Milk of Magnesia or a laxative.
• You will feel tired post-op, which is common and normal.

Your doctor will let you know, even more specifically, what to expect post-robotic lung surgery and what you need to do at home. Your home recovery plan will be tailored to your needs.

If you’re looking for a skilled surgeon to perform your robotic lung surgery, Dr. Peter Mikhail is a robotic lung specialist and surgeon. To learn more about the surgery, click Dr. Mikhail’s Tampa Robotic Lung Surgery  page or call his office at 727-312-4844 to book an appointment or for more information. Dr. Mikhail is based in New Port Richey, Florida. He treats patients in Tampa and Clearwater.

You have decided to have robotic lung surgery. Although minimally invasive, this surgery is a big undertaking on your body. However, the outcome is that you will live longer and have a better quality of life.

Depending on what occurs during surgery and your individual plan, you will stay in the hospital for 2 to 4 days. You will likely be able to return to your own personal care and daily activities in an independent manner before heading home from the hospital.

Here’s what to expect immediately after your surgery:

• You will be moved to the ICU after surgery and will spend 1 to 2 days there.
• You may wake up with a breathing tube, but it is usually removed the day after surgery.
• You will have to perform breathing and coughing exercises every hour while you are awake.
• You will be hooked up to one (or more) IVs.
• You will have chest tubes near the incision.
• You will receive pain medication (as needed).
• You may have blood drawn.
• The doctor will discuss your diet with you.
• You will come up with a plan with your doctor and family to help you with certain activities or tasks you are still unable to do on your own easily.
• Your chest tube is removed after a couple of days.
• After the chest tube is removed, you should wash the area with soap and water.
• You should walk three to four times a day.

You are unique, so your number of days in the hospital and experience will vary depending on your age, other conditions you may have, pain levels, and any complications. Your doctor’s post-op plan for you will be tailored to your needs so you can be on the best path to recovery.

If you’re looking for a surgeon to perform your robotic lung surgery, Dr. Peter Mikhail is a robotic lung specialist and surgeon. He will let you know what to expect during and after your surgery. He is happy to answer all your questions and work with you every step of the way. To learn more about the surgery, click Dr. Mikhail’s Tampa Robotic Lung Surgery  page or call his office at 727-312-4844 to book an appointment or for more information. Dr. Mikhail is based in New Port Richey, Florida. He treats patients in Tampa and Clearwater.

Surgery can be a scary experience, especially when your surgery is for cancer. When you and your doctor have come to the decision that minimally invasive robotic lung surgery is the best option for you, the doctor will detail you on what to expect before, during, and after surgery. As a Tampa robotic lung specialist and surgeon, Dr. Peter Mikhail takes the time to thoroughly explain the surgery and all it entails with his patients.

Knowledge is power and, as a patient, you have every right to know what your surgery entails. For a surgery to be the most successful, it’s essential that you properly prepare for it. Below, our team wants to share some pre-surgery tips on things you should do/ask so your surgery goes as well as it possibly can.

• Ask your doctor what you can or cannot do or eat before surgery.
• Ask about the hospital admittance process.
• Ask about the type of anesthesia the doctor will use.
• Figure out what your insurance will cover.
• Ask your insurance if they will provide wellness benefits (discounted rehab or nutritional care).
• Let your doctor know all medications, supplements, and vitamins you currently take.
• See if you need certain medical clearance or tests before surgery such as x-rays, lab work, and pulmonary function tests.
• Eat foods rich in iron before surgery. The iron helps boost the circulatory system and blood counts.
• Find out if you need to lose weight before you can be cleared for surgery. The doctor may have you work with a nutritionist.
• If you can, try to quit smoking. Smoking delays healing and recovery.
• Ask the surgeon/doctor if you should be doing any pre-surgical exercises.
• Fill out any necessary paperwork with your employer for disability claims.
• If you are a regular alcohol consumer, talk to your doctor about his/her recommendations.
• Let your doctor know if you use any controlled substances or narcotic pain medications. Regular use of these drugs can impact surgery and post-op pain control.

Robotic Lung Specialist and Surgeon Dr. Peter Mikhail will discuss with you more thoroughly the best pre-op care for you. The above list is just a sample of things to keep in mind.

If you’re looking for a surgeon to perform your robotic lung surgery, Dr. Mikhail performs these surgeries in the Tampa and Clearwater areas of Florida. He will answer all your questions about the surgery and help you to prepare for it.

To learn more about the surgery, click Dr. Mikhail’s Tampa Robotic Lung Surgery  page or call his office at 727-312-4844 to book an appointment or for more information. Dr. Mikhail is based in New Port Richey, Florida.

If you’re suffering from lung cancer, you may have come to the decision with your doctor and surgeon to undergo robotic lung surgery

Robotic lung surgery is a minimally invasive surgery that uses an intuitive robotic system for surgical assistance through video. It is an alternative to open-chest operations. This surgical treatment is offered to patients with early-stages of lung cancer.

Surgery can be a scary concept to a lot of people, but the more you know beforehand, the more comfortable you will be with the idea of having the surgery.

It’s important for you to ask your doctor and/or surgeon any questions that come to mind. If you’re unsure what to ask, our office has provided some basic questions you should ask before surgery. Answers will vary depending on your particular surgery, healing process, and medical history.

• What are the risks involved with robotic lung surgery? What are the benefits?
• How long will the surgery take?
• Why is this the best option for me?
• What are the possible complications?
• How much pain will I experience when I go home?
• How should I manage the pain? Will I be given pain medication? For how long?
• How long will I be in the hospital?
• Will I be put on antibiotics?
• Can I eat and drink normally after the surgery?
• Will I be able to walk and shower by myself?
• How long is recovery?
• How often do you want to follow up with me post-op?
• Can I go home after surgery or do I need to stay at a rehab facility?
• Will I need physical therapy?
• How long will it take me to be active again?
• How long will it take me to return to my daily activities?
• When can I drive again?
• When can I return to work?
• What activities need to be avoided following the surgery and for how long?
• What will I have to change in my life?

If you’re looking for the right surgeon to perform your robotic lung surgery, Dr. Peter Mikhail is a robotic lung specialist and surgeon. He can help determine if you’re a candidate for the surgery and will answer all your questions about the surgery. To learn more about the surgery, click Dr. Mikhail’s Tampa Robotic Lung Surgery  page or call his office at 727-312-4844 to book an appointment or for more information. Dr. Mikhail is based in New Port Richey, Florida. He treats patients in Tampa and Clearwater.