Typically, surgery for lung cancer takes approximately two to three hours. At the end of the procedure a drainage tube is placed to drain excess fluid from the site of surgery. This tube is usually removed two to four days after the operation. Patients are generally out of bed and walking the first day after the operation. A nurse instructs patients in deep breathing and coughing exercises, which are important to help prevent infection in the lungs. Most patients remain in the hospital for four to five days.