I would highly recommend having surgery at a specialty / research center/hospital. If you are unable to do so, please research the number of similar surgeries and outcomes performed at the local hospital.

Have a list of questions, concerns, medications/ allfor the anesthesiologist who you will meet the day of the surgery. You can ask questions to the prep nurse who usually calls or meets with you a few days before the surgery.

I agree Katie. I think research and preparation is key to having confidence moving forward with the procedure.

My first NTM diagnosis was Abscessus. I went to National Jewish Health to confirm. They recommended immediate surgery at University of Colorado Hospital. This was remote surgery using the VATS technique to minimize infection. Recovery was fairly quick.

Hi. I’ve had two lung surgeries. I’m 62 with Bronchiectasis. My right middle love was removed 24 years ago and last May I had my left lower lobe removed. This last surgery was done robotically using the VAT technology. I had it done at Umass Memorial Hospital in Worcester MA by a phenomenal thoracic surgeon. I was home on day 3 and had manageable pain. Tylenol kept me comfortable. I was able to resume my exercise (elliptical and yoga) routine at about 6 weeks but I had to adopt a less strenuous pace for several months. The pain was totally gone at 6 weeks but to this day I still can feel a tightness and tenderness in that area. I was told this was normal.
The surgeon called it minimally invasive surgery compared to my first surgery but it still was major surgery. I can say that it was the definitely the right decision as the lobe was severely diseased and I was more prone to infection with it. I didn’t lose any lung capacity and my pulmonary function tests are very good.
Best to all,

Maggie

Maggie,

Thank you for sharing your positive experience with the group. The word “ surgery “ itself frightens many people. It is great to read successful surgery posts.