Nisha Pandey

Health and Me

Pope Leo XIV Resumes Daily Activities After Lung Cancer Surgery: How Recovery Looks Like After Lung Lobe Removal

<span>Pope Leo</span> XIV recently underwent <span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/lung-cancer">lung cancer</a></span> surgery to have the lower lobe of his right lung removed. According to the Vatican, the 71-year-old pontiff's recovery is on track. But doctors are awaiting further test results to determine whether he needs further treatment. The pope has resumed eating, walking and celebrating Mass but he is not fit to take a trip just yet. 

The pope underwent surgery at Rome's Gemelli Hospital on October 13 after doctors identified a suspicious lung nodule. The procedure confirmed lung adenocarcinoma, the most common type of lung cancer, and surgeons removed the lower lobe of his right lung.

In a update on October 14, the pope's personal physician, Dr Luigi Carbone, and thoracic surgeon Professor Stefano Margaritora said, "The Holy Father underwent respiratory physiotherapy and has begun walking in his room. He resumed his regular diet and had breakfast and lunch." They added, "Recovery is proceeding as planned."

Blood tests and a chest X-ray indicated that the pope was recovering normally after the operation. He also celebrated Mass with his secretaries in a private hospital chapel.

However, doctors have not yet disclosed whether the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes or other parts of the body. That will help determine if further treatment is needed.

<h2>Surgery For <span rel="noindex">Lung Lobe</span> </h2>

The lungs are divided into sections called lobes. The right lung has three lobes, while the left lung has two. When cancer is confined to a particular area, surgeons may remove the affected lobe in an operation called a <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/pope-leo-xiv-will-undergo-lung-nodule-surgery-when-does-removal-become-necessary-article-156316661" data-type="tilCustomLink">lobectomy</a>.

The procedure aims to remove the tumour along with surrounding tissue to reduce the likelihood of cancer remaining in the lung. Nearby lymph nodes may also be removed and examined to check whether cancer cells have spread.

Pope Leo underwent surgery assisted by video, a minimally invasive technique that uses a camera and small surgical incisions to operate inside the chest.

Dr PierCarlo Gentile, head of radiation oncology at Rome's San Pietro Fatebenefratelli Hospital, told <em>The Associated Press </em>that this type of surgery typically requires around 15 to 20 days of recovery. He also said that in this case postoperative complications, including <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/what-happens-after-measles-infection-the-hidden-risks-that-can-last-for-years-article-156333523" data-type="tilCustomLink">infections</a>, is rare.

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/pope-leo-xiv-undergoes-lung-cancer-surgery-as-his-brother-battles-relapsed-multiple-myeloma-article-156335348" data-type="tilCustomLink">Pope Leo XIV, Diagnosed With Lung Cancer, Undergoes Surgery As His Brother Battles Relapsed Multiple Myeloma</a>

<h2>Recovery After Lung Lobe Removal</h2>

After a lobectomy, the remaining lung tissue can help compensate for some of the lost lung capacity. However, recovery varies depending on a person's age, overall health, lung function before surgery and the extent of the operation.

In the initial days, patients are encouraged to get out of bed and walk as soon as medically appropriate. Early movement helps reduce the risk of blood clots and other complications associated with prolonged bed rest.

Respiratory <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/physiotherapists-are-not-doctors-cannot-use-dr-title-rules-health-authority-in-india-article-152768287" data-type="tilCustomLink">physiotherapy</a> is also a part of recovery. Breathing exercises help patients expand their remaining lung tissue, improve ventilation and clear secretions from the airways. Some patients may also need oxygen support temporarily.

Pain management, proper nutrition and slow and gradual increases in physical activity are important. Breathlessness and fatigue can persist for weeks, and full recovery may take longer than the initial hospital stay.

Although the remaining lung tissue can adapt, it does not mean lung capacity automatically returns to its previous level. The extent of recovery depends on the individual's baseline respiratory health and how much functioning lung tissue remains.

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/pope-leo-xivs-lung-cancer-diagnosis-when-should-you-worry-about-lung-nodules-article-156338907" data-type="tilCustomLink">Pope Leo XIV’s Lung Cancer Diagnosis: When Should You Worry About Lung Nodules?</a>

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The need for additional treatment for Pope Leo will depend on the final results, including the tumour's size and whether cancer cells are present in the lymph nodes.

If the <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/colon-cancer-in-young-adults-the-growing-burden-among-indias-under-50-population-article-156335137" data-type="tilCustomLink">cancer</a> is localised and has been completely removed, surgery may be sufficient in some cases. If tests show that the disease has spread or carries features associated with a higher risk of recurrence, doctors may consider chemotherapy, immunotherapy or targeted therapy, depending on the tumour's characteristics.

Dr Stephen Liu, a lung cancer expert at Georgetown University's Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center who is not involved in the pope's care, told <em>The Associated Press</em>, "While we know the diagnosis, we now need to know the stage."

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Pope Leo XIV recently underwent lung cancer surgery to have the lower lobe of his right lung removed. According to the Vatican, the 71-year-old pontiff's recovery is on track. But doctors are awaiting further test results to determine whether he needs further treatment. The pope has resumed eating, walking and celebrating Mass but he is not fit to take a trip just yet. The pope underwent surgery at Rome's Gemelli Hospital on October 13 after doctors identified a suspicious lung nodule. The procedure confirmed lung adenocarcinoma, the most common type of lung cancer, and surgeons removed the lower lobe of his right lung.In a update on October 14, the pope's personal physician, Dr Luigi Carbone, and thoracic surgeon Professor Stefano Margaritora said, "The Holy Father underwent respiratory physiotherapy and has begun walking in his room. He resumed his regular diet and had breakfast and lunch." They added, "Recovery is proceeding as planned."                  Dr. Luigi Carbone and Professor Stefano Margaritora have provided the following update on the Pope’s postoperative recovery:This morning, the Holy Father underwent the blood tests and chest X-ray scheduled after surgery. The results confirm that his postoperative recovery is progressing normally: the values are within the expected range for the type of operation performed.The Holy Father has undergone respiratory physiotherapy and has begun walking around his room. He has resumed eating normally and had breakfast and lunch.His recovery is proceeding as expected.&mdash; Vatican News (@VaticanNews) October 14, 2026]]>Blood tests and a chest X-ray indicated that the pope was recovering normally after the operation. He also celebrated Mass with his secretaries in a private hospital chapel.However, doctors have not yet disclosed whether the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes or other parts of the body. That will help determine if further treatment is needed.Surgery For Lung Lobe The lungs are divided into sections called lobes. The right lung has three lobes, while the left lung has two. When cancer is confined to a particular area, surgeons may remove the affected lobe in an operation called a lobectomy.The procedure aims to remove the tumour along with surrounding tissue to reduce the likelihood of cancer remaining in the lung. Nearby lymph nodes may also be removed and examined to check whether cancer cells have spread.Pope Leo underwent surgery assisted by video, a minimally invasive technique that uses a camera and small surgical incisions to operate inside the chest.Dr PierCarlo Gentile, head of radiation oncology at Rome's San Pietro Fatebenefratelli Hospital, told The Associated Press that this type of surgery typically requires around 15 to 20 days of recovery. He also said that in this case postoperative complications, including infections, is rare.Also read: Pope Leo XIV, Diagnosed With Lung Cancer, Undergoes Surgery As His Brother Battles Relapsed Multiple MyelomaRecovery After Lung Lobe RemovalAfter a lobectomy, the remaining lung tissue can help compensate for some of the lost lung capacity. However, recovery varies depending on a person's age, overall health, lung function before surgery and the extent of the operation.In the initial days, patients are encouraged to get out of bed and walk as soon as medically appropriate. Early movement helps reduce the risk of blood clots and other complications associated with prolonged bed rest.Respiratory physiotherapy is also a part of recovery. Breathing exercises help patients expand their remaining lung tissue, improve ventilation and clear secretions from the airways. Some patients may also need oxygen support temporarily.Pain management, proper nutrition and slow and gradual increases in physical activity are important. Breathlessness and fatigue can persist for weeks, and full recovery may take longer than the initial hospital stay.Although the remaining lung tissue can adapt, it does not mean lung capacity automatically returns to its previous level. The extent of recovery depends on the individual's baseline respiratory health and how much functioning lung tissue remains.Also read: Pope Leo XIV’s Lung Cancer Diagnosis: When Should You Worry About Lung Nodules?Additional Cancer Treatment         The need for additional treatment for Pope Leo will depend on the final results, including the tumour's size and whether cancer cells are present in the lymph nodes.If the cancer is localised and has been completely removed, surgery may be sufficient in some cases. If tests show that the disease has spread or carries features associated with a higher risk of recurrence, doctors may consider chemotherapy, immunotherapy or targeted therapy, depending on the tumour's characteristics.Dr Stephen Liu, a lung cancer expert at Georgetown University's Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center who is not involved in the pope's care, told The Associated Press, "While we know the diagnosis, we now need to know the stage."

pope leo xiv resumes daily activities after lung cancer surgery: how recovery looks like after lung lobe removal

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Pope Leo XIV Resumes Daily Activities After Lung Cancer Surgery: How Recovery Looks Like After Lung Lobe Removal

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