What is a lobectomy?

A lobectomy refers specifically to the surgical removal of a lobe of the lung. This procedure is typically performed to treat conditions such as lung cancer, chronic infections, or other localized diseases that affect a specific lung lobe. The lungs are divided into lobes; the right lung has three lobes, while the left lung has two. By removing the affected lobe, surgeons aim to eliminate diseased tissue and improve the patient’s overall lung function.

Understanding the purpose and implications of a lobectomy is crucial in the context of inpatient coding. Accurate coding is necessary for tracking surgical procedures and patient outcomes. In contrast, the other options mentioned do not define lobectomy; they relate to different aspects of lung health or procedures that do not involve lobe removal, such as repairing lung tissue or assessing lung function.