In simple words: This surgery removes an entire lung. The surgeon uses a small camera and thin tools inserted through small cuts in the chest to remove the lung. A chest tube will be placed to help drain fluids.

This procedure involves a surgical thoracoscopy, using a thoracoscope (a thin tube with a camera) inserted into the chest cavity through small incisions. The surgeon visualizes the lung and surrounding structures to remove an entire lung (pneumonectomy).The procedure may involve the use of additional instruments through other small incisions to dissect, clamp, and cut the bronchi, blood vessels, and other tissues connecting the lung. The lung is then removed, and the incision site is closed. A chest tube is typically placed to drain fluid and promote lung re-expansion.

Example 1: A 60-year-old male patient is diagnosed with stage III lung cancer involving the entire right lung. A pneumonectomy (32671) is performed to remove the cancerous lung., A 70-year-old female patient has a large, inoperable lung tumor causing significant respiratory compromise.A pneumonectomy (32671) is necessary to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life., A 55-year-old male patient presents with a history of lung trauma and severe lung damage. Due to irreversible damage, a pneumonectomy (32671) is deemed medically necessary.

Preoperative diagnosis (including imaging studies like CT scan), operative report detailing procedure, pathology report confirming complete resection, postoperative recovery notes, and any complications encountered.

** VATS (video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery) may be utilized for a pneumonectomy, but it's dependent on the tumor location and surgeon expertise.Always confirm the specific surgical approach used and document it thoroughly in the medical record.