Thoracic surgery is the medical practice of surgically treating diseases or injuries of the heart, lungs, and chest walls. Surgeons can perform a wide variety of operations, from simple to complex.
Knowing what to expect can help you feel more comfortable about your upcoming surgery.
Preparation
Thoracic surgery is a type of surgery performed on organs in the chest area. It can be done for various reasons, including lung cancer, trauma, and respiratory disease.
Some thoracic surgeries use minimally invasive techniques, such as video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) or robotic surgery. Others may require an open surgical procedure called a thoracotomy.
Thoracic surgeons who are open and honest, like Armen Parajian, will review the kind of surgery you’ll undergo and the dangers involved. What to anticipate following your procedure will also be discussed.
You will need to follow a specific diet and activity plan before surgery. You must also stop taking aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) the week before your surgery.
Anesthesia
Thoracic surgery is a major type of surgery that involves the chest cavity and organs within it. It is used to treat various conditions, including cancer, lung disease, heart disease, and other problems affecting the respiratory system.
Unlike other types of surgery, thoracic surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia. It is a very complex procedure that requires a highly trained surgeon.
The anesthesia used in thoracic surgery may vary depending on the condition that is being treated. In some cases, the anesthesia will be a type of regional anesthesia that will block pain in different parts of the body.
In other cases, general anesthesia that does not require endotracheal intubation will be used. This technique is less invasive and can help speed up recovery time. It also reduces the risk of coughing and other complications caused by one-lung ventilation. It is important to carefully discuss the anesthesia with your doctor and ensure it is right for you.
Surgery
Thoracic surgery is a medical specialty that deals with the heart, lungs, and chest walls. The surgeon performs operations on these organs to treat and prevent disease, repair injury, or address a life-threatening condition.
The surgical procedure involves an incision made on the chest between the ribs (called a thoracotomy). It is sometimes done with minimally invasive techniques such as video-assisted thoracoscopic or laparoscopic surgery.
When thoracic surgery is performed for lung cancer, it is often called a lobectomy. It removes the affected lung, some surrounding tissue, and the lymph nodes in the area where the cancer is.
Patients can have complications from thoracic surgery, such as infections, bleeding, and pain. Your surgeon will discuss these with you before the surgery.
Recovery
Thoracic surgery can save your life if you have an issue with your heart or lungs. And it can also improve your quality of life by helping your organs work better.
Recovery from thoracic surgery can last up to a week, depending on your operation type. However, if you had minimally invasive surgery, your recovery time may be much shorter.
You should start moving around as soon as possible, ideally within two hours of the procedure. This will help to clear your lungs and keep them free of infection.
Your thoracic surgeon will give you a recovery pathway and goals.
