difficulty using arm after lobectomy?

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Why would a patient have difficulty using their R. arm after a RML and RLL lobectomy? Is this normal or should I be looking for other problems?

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Why would a patient have difficulty using their R. arm after a RML and RLL lobectomy? Is this normal or should I be looking for other problems?

Think about the possibility of an intraoperative CVA.

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Specializes in Corrections, Cardiac, Hospice.

My husband had a rt. thoracotomy years ago, he is still numb at the incision site. The surgeon told him that where they cut, there is a lot of muscle and nerves, that this was to be expected. If it was a recent lobectomy, I would say look at pain as a primary reason they can't pick up their arm. Lift yours up and see how much your trunk gets stretched. Hubby couldn't lift his up without pain for about 6-8 weeks.

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Specializes in NICU.

I agree with ShayRN.. They cut all those muscles there on the side of your chest. I'm sure you would be quite sore. It depends on what you mean by difficulty using the arm. Are they sore and in pain? Or is their arm numb and paralyzed?

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Specializes in ICU.

You have to remember that the brachial plexus shares the same neighborhood as that lobectomy.

Even the most skilled surgeons can still damage or irritate this plexus.

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