What is thoracic surgery?
Thoracic surgery is the branch of medicine that deals with the surgical treatment of the thoracic organs. Thoracic surgery may include surgery on the lungs, pleura, mediastinum, trachea, esophagus, or chest wall. Thoracic surgery treats both cancer and non-cancer pathologies.
What types of problems do thoracic surgeons treat?
The most common indication for thoracic surgery is lung cancer, although operations are also quite common for conditions such as:
- Pneumothorax;
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease;
- Esophageal cancer;
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease;
- Esophageal achalasia;
- Mediastinal cysts and tumors;
- Injuries;
- Thoracic outlet syndrome, etc.
How are diseases of the thoracic cavity diagnosed?
Thoracic surgical manipulations are often used in the diagnosis of diseases of the thoracic organs. Various invasive techniques allow to confirm the diagnosis, determine the extent of the disease, accurately assess the condition and plan the necessary treatment. Thoracic procedures are also prescribed to monitor the progression of the disease.
Thoracoscopy is most commonly prescribed for the diagnosis of diseases of thoracic organs. This is a minimally invasive manipulation in which a small incision is made in the chest wall, through which the doctor inserts a thoracoscope and uses a camera to examine the organs. During thoracoscopy, biopsy samples can be taken and other therapeutic or diagnostic manipulations can be performed.
What types of thoracic surgery are performed at New Hospitals?
Thoracic surgery at New Hospitals is planned and performed by a medical team focused on comprehensive, innovative and patient-specific care. Depending on the condition, a pulmonologist, gastroenterologist, oncologist, radiologist and other specialists may be involved in the planning and treatment process.
New Hospitals' thoracic surgeons have many years of experience and are constantly striving to gain the latest knowledge and expertise to further improve the quality of diagnosis and treatment. Surgeries are performed through both open intervention and minimally invasive techniques.
At New Hospitals, patients can undergo the following types of thoracic diagnostic and treatment surgical procedures:
- Diagnostic thoracoscopy;
- Lung resection;
- Lung lobectomy;
- Pneumonectomy (complete excision of the lung);
- Mediastinal surgery (isolated thoracic tumors);
- Transthoracic Core-biopsy of the lung and mediastinum under computerized tomography control;
- Thymectomy - biopsy of mediastinal lymph nodes by open and thoracoscopic methods;
- Core-biopsy, sectoral resection of the breast, radical mastectomy;
- Diaphragmoplasty;
- Pleural decortication;
- Esophageal fundoplication;
- Esophageal resection;
- Esophageal clipping for variceal bleeding.
How important is thoracic surgery in the treatment of lung cancer?
Due to the incidence of the disease, thoracic surgery emphasizes the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer. Thoracic surgery is used to stage lung cancer, remove damaged tissue, and relieve symptoms.
Thoracic surgery is most effective in treating lung cancer in the early stages of the disease. Surgical manipulations are prescribed based on the results of lung function tests, CT scans, and other tests. Surgery for lung cancer can be performed either through open intervention or minimally invasive surgery.
In advanced stages of lung cancer, when metastases have spread throughout the body, thoracic surgery is prescribed in combination with other treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
Are there ways to prevent thoracic cavity diseases?
To prevent thoracic diseases, the following is recommended:
- Smoking cessation - smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer worldwide. Tobacco use also causes chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and damages other organs in the chest cavity.
- Flu vaccination - seasonal flu vaccination helps patients avoid complications of the flu, which can significantly damage the respiratory system.
- Healthy lifestyle - eating right, exercising and walking outdoors helps strengthen the heart and lungs.
- Lung cancer screening - early detection is vital to the successful treatment of lung cancer. Lung cancer screening is recommended for those who use tobacco, have a chronic cough, chest pain, or are experiencing dramatic weight loss.
