Thoracic Surgery
Thoracic surgery, commonly referred to as “chest surgery,” involves operations dealing with organs in the chest, extending to the heart, lungs, trachea and esophagus. Nearly 80 percent of thoracic surgeries are cancer-related. Thoracic surgery can be useful in treating lung and esophageal cancer, in addition to diagnosing or repairing lungs that have been affected by cancer, trauma or pulmonary disease.
Thoracic surgical procedures can either be performed with minimally invasive methods or a more traditional open surgery, referred to as a thoracotomy. When large areas of the lung or inner chest cavity are needed to be seen, your doctor will perform a thoracotomy. This procedure can involve removal of the whole or partial lung.
Our surgeons specializing in thoracic surgery treat diseases involving the chest, lung, trachea and esophagus. We offer treatments for conditions including:
- Airway tumors
- Airway cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Hyperhirosis
- Lung cancer
- Mesothelioma
- Pericardial cancer
- Pleural cancer, effusion, nodules and masses
- Pulmonary nodules
Surgical Risks
Though our doctors are highly trained to perform thoracic surgery safely, there are still some risks associated with thoracic surgery, as with all surgeries. These include:
- Hemorrhage
- Nerve injury
- Embolism
- Infection
Recovery
The recovery period for patients undergoing thoracic surgery varies, depending on the type of procedure performed and the condition treated. Patients can spend between 2 days up to a week in the hospital following surgery. Nurses and specialists will work with patients during the recovery period to improve respiratory function.