What is the procedure called for the surgical removal of a lobe of the lung?

The surgical removal of a lobe of the lung is termed lobectomy. This procedure specifically involves the excision of a single lobe, which can be performed for various reasons such as the presence of tumors, severe infections, or other lung diseases. Lobectomy is commonly indicated when localized issues are contained within a specific lobe, allowing for targeted treatment while preserving the remaining lung tissue.

In contrast, pneumonectomy refers to the removal of an entire lung, which is a more extensive procedure. Thoracoplasty is a surgical technique used to reshape the thorax or remove part of the rib cage, typically employed in cases of tuberculosis, while decortication of the lung involves removing a fibrous capsule surrounding the lung, often due to infections or pleural effusions. Each of these procedures has different indications and anatomical considerations, underscoring why lobectomy specifically pertains to the lobe of the lung.