Diving after a lung operation

[rainynight65]

I hope this is the right place to ask this, I couldn't find any place that seemed more appropriate.

I had a lung operation just about two months ago. It wasn't anything major, a small piece of my right lung was removed. Everythign appears to be healing fine, though I will see what my doctor says in two days time. I am not looking for specific medical advice, in either case I am going to seek out dive specialists before I do anything. But perhaps someone else has got the experience and can give me some hints. What are the chances that I'll dive again, also given the fact that I've always had problems equalizing? What are the risks, how long should I wait before I try?

I am grateful for any advice.

 

[TSandM]

There are too many variables. A lot depends on the reason you had the surgery in the first place. If it was simply to remove what turns out to be a benign nodule, and there is no underlying lung disease, then the next variable is how the surgery was performed, and whether there is any area of lung that is likely to air-trap.

I would definitely consult with a diving medicine specialist and make your records accessible to him. You may require CT evaluation or pulmonary function testing before someone can make a determination as to what the risks involved in diving would be likely to be. Good luck with your recovery!

 

[rainynight65]

Thank you for the lightning-fast reply

The surgery was done to remove what turned out to be a benign growth on my right lung, suspected to be Tuberculosis. I am currently on medication, more as a precautionary measure though, so before I consider doing anything I will finish all my meds and do a bit of detox.

I know one or two diving specialists and will definitely consult them in due time. Thank you for your advice.

 

[DevonDiver]

Moved to the Medicine Forum.
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[rainynight65]

Dang, I couldn't find this place at first Thanks

 

[TSandM]

Yes, if you do, in fact, have TB, I would definitely do a thorough consultation to ensure that there is no significant lung tissue damage from the infection. TB can cause all kinds of scarring and pulmonary abnormalities.

 

[rainynight65]

I had a follow-up consultation with my surgeon yesterday. He said that scuba diving should not be a problem. The lesion removed was small and it wasn't inside the lung, but attached to the bottom of it. He said I wouldn't need any extra precautions. There are no other side-effects, and the X-Ray looks clear according to him. The man has a good reputation and likes to play things safe, so I am inclined to trust him. However I won't be attempting to dive for a while still, I want to be sure that I am 100% recovered.

 

[TSandM]

Sounds like good news! It would definitely be good to wait until your chest is pretty pain-free before diving, but it sounds as though you're good to go once that happens.

 

[Mariesonny]

Several years ago I had a small lung nodule removed via VATS. Turned out to be benign and I was out of the hospital by lunch the next day. My surgeon told me that scuba should not be a problem. I did wait 3 months before doing my first dives. I also did them in the US with lots of other folks around just in case and went no deeper than 50 feet. After that the first dive trip was to a larger island with fairly good medical facilities. I've done 50+ dives since the surgery with no problem.

Hopefully you do as well as I did.