What Is Considered a Thoracic Surgery?

Welcome to the world of thoracic surgery! If you’re wondering what counts as thoracic surgery, you’re in the right place. Thoracic surgery involves operations on organs in the chest, such as the lungs, heart, and esophagus. It can also include procedures on the thoracic spine and chest wall. These surgeries can be done for various reasons, from treating cancer to repairing a collapsed lung. If you’re still asking yourself, “Why would you see a thoracic surgeon?“keep reading.

In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at what is considered a thoracic surgery and explore some of the common procedures performed in this field. So, let’s get started and uncover the intricacies of thoracic surgery together!

Thoracic surgery refers to any surgical procedure that involves the organs and structures located in the thoracic cavity, which is the area of the body between the neck and the abdomen. This can include operations on the lungs, heart, esophagus, trachea, bronchi, chest wall, and thoracic spine.

Some of the common thoracic surgeries include lung resection for cancer or other conditions, heart valve surgery, coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), esophagectomy, and mediastinoscopy. Thoracic surgery may also be performed for conditions like emphysema, pulmonary fibrosis, chest trauma, and congenital chest abnormalities.

Thoracic surgery is a complex and specialized field that requires extensive training and expertise. Surgeons specializing in thoracic surgery deeply understand the anatomy and physiology of the thoracic cavity and the latest surgical techniques and technologies. You may be wondering about the difference between cardiac and thoracic surgeons. While they both operate in the chest region, their area of focus and the nature of their work differs. Thoracic surgery is crucial in treating various conditions affecting the chest, lungs, and heart.

Thoracic Lung Surgery

Thoracic lung surgery is a type of surgical procedure that involves the lungs or the structures in the thoracic cavity that are associated with the lungs. The lungs are a pair of organs in the thorax responsible for oxygenating the blood and removing carbon dioxide, according to the American Lung Association.

There are several types of thoracic lung surgeries, depending on the reason for the surgery. Some of the most common types of thoracic lung surgeries include:

Lobectomy: This is the surgical removal of one lobe of the lung. It is often done to treat lung cancer but may also be used to treat other conditions that affect the lungs.
Pneumonectomy: This is the surgical removal of an entire lung. It is usually done to treat lung cancer but may also be used to treat other conditions.
Wedge resection is the surgical removal of a small, wedge-shaped piece of lung tissue. It is often done to remove a small tumor or to diagnose a lung condition.
Segmentectomy is the surgical removal of a larger portion of lung tissue than a wedge resection but less than a lobectomy. It is sometimes done instead of a lobectomy for small lung tumors located in a specific lung area.
Lung transplant: This is the surgical replacement of a diseased lung with a healthy lung from a donor, as explained by the Mayo Clinic.

Thoracic lung surgery is a complex and specialized field that requires extensive training and expertise. Thoracic surgeons work closely with other healthcare team members, including pulmonologists, oncologists, and respiratory therapists, to provide comprehensive care to patients with lung conditions.

Reasons to See a Thoracic Surgeon

Why would you see a thoracic surgeon? There are several reasons why you may need to see a thoracic surgeon. Thoracic surgeons specialize in treating conditions that affect the organs and structures in the thoracic cavity, which is the area of the body between the neck and the abdomen.

Here are some of the most common reasons why you may need to see a thoracic surgeon:

Lung cancer: If you have been diagnosed with lung cancer, a thoracic surgeon may be involved in your treatment. They can perform lung resection surgery to remove the tumor and any affected lymph nodes.
Esophageal cancer: Thoracic surgeons can also perform esophagectomy, which removes part or all of the esophagus. This procedure is often used to treat esophageal cancer.
Heart conditions: Thoracic surgeons can perform a variety of heart surgeries, including valve repair or replacement, coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), and aortic aneurysm repair.
Chest trauma: If you have suffered an injury to your chest, such as a punctured lung or fractured ribs, a thoracic surgeon may be involved in your treatment.
Pulmonary disorders: Thoracic surgeons can also treat pulmonary disorders such as emphysema, pulmonary fibrosis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Overall, if you have a condition that affects the organs or structures in the thoracic cavity, a thoracic surgeon may be a part of your treatment team. They can offer various surgical options to help improve your health and quality of life.

Thoracic Surgery What are the Risks?

Is thoracic surgery dangerous? Like any surgical procedure, thoracic surgery comes with risks and potential complications. However, the overall safety of thoracic surgery largely depends on the individual patient’s condition and the complexity of the surgery being performed.

In general, thoracic surgery is considered safe and effective for treating a variety of conditions, including lung cancer, heart disease, and chest trauma. With advances in technology and surgical techniques, the risks of complications have decreased over time.

That being said, thoracic surgery is a complex and invasive procedure that can pose some risks. Some potential complications of thoracic surgery may include bleeding, infection, pneumonia, blood clots, and damage to surrounding organs and tissues.

It’s important to note that the risks of thoracic surgery may be higher for certain patients, such as those with underlying health conditions, elderly patients, and those who smoke or have a history of lung disease. Your thoracic surgeon will discuss the potential risks and benefits of surgery with you and work with you to determine if thoracic surgery is the best option for your needs.

Thoracic Surgery What to Expect During the Procedure?

Thoracic surgery is a complex surgical procedure involving various techniques and approaches depending on the specific condition being treated. However, some general steps and expectations are common to many thoracic surgeries.

Here’s what you can generally expect during the procedure:

Anesthesia: They will give you anesthesia to ensure you are unconscious and pain-free throughout the procedure. The type of anesthesia used will depend on the specific procedure and your individual needs.
Incision: Your surgeon will make an incision in the chest or other appropriate location to access the thoracic cavity. The size and location of the incision will depend on the specific procedure being performed.
Accessing the thoracic cavity: Your surgeon will then carefully move any organs or tissues out of the way to access the thoracic cavity. This may involve temporarily collapsing a lung or temporarily stopping the heart.
Surgical procedure: Your surgeon will perform the necessary procedure, which may involve removing part or all of a lung, repairing a damaged blood vessel, or removing a tumor or other abnormal growth. In some cases, especially where tumors are concerned, your surgical team might include a thoracic oncologist.
Closure: Once the surgical procedure is complete, your surgeon will carefully close the incision using stitches or staples.
Recovery: After the procedure, you will be closely monitored in the recovery room until you are awake and your vital signs are stable. You may experience some pain and discomfort, but your healthcare team will work to manage your pain and help you recover as quickly as possible.

Thoracic Surgery Procedures

Thoracic surgery is a broad field that includes a variety of surgical procedures performed on the organs and structures within the thoracic cavity.

Here are some of the most common thoracic surgery procedures list:

Lung resection surgery: This includes procedures such as lobectomy, pneumonectomy, wedge resection, and segmentectomy, which involve the removal of part or all of a lung. These procedures are commonly used to treat lung cancer but may also be used to treat other conditions, such as emphysema or infections.
Esophagectomy is the surgical removal of part or all of the esophagus, often used to treat esophageal cancer.
Thoracotomy is a surgical incision between the ribs to access the thoracic cavity. It may be used to treat a variety of conditions, including lung cancer, chest trauma, and thoracic infections.
Mediastinoscopy: This minimally invasive procedure involves making a small incision in the neck to access the mediastinum (the area between the lungs). It may be used to diagnose or stage lung cancer or to evaluate other mediastinal tumors.
Thoracic sympathectomy: This surgical procedure involves cutting or removing a portion of the sympathetic nerves in the thoracic cavity. It may treat conditions such as hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) or Raynaud’s disease.
Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG): This surgical procedure involves grafting a blood vessel from another part of the body to bypass a blocked coronary artery. It is commonly used to treat heart disease.
Aortic aneurysm repair: This surgical procedure involves repairing or replacing a weakened or enlarged section of the aorta (the main artery that carries blood from the heart). It may be performed using open surgery or minimally invasive techniques.

These are just a few examples of the many different types of thoracic surgery procedures that may be performed. Your thoracic surgeon will work with you to determine the best treatment plan for your needs.

About Us:

We are a dedicated team of legal professionals specializing in physician contracts at Physician Contract Attorney. With years of experience in the healthcare industry, we deeply understand the challenges faced by physicians when navigating complex employment contracts. Our mission is to ensure that our clients are protected and well-represented. We focus on providing sound legal advice tailored to your unique needs, empowering you to negotiate your contract with confidence. For more information or to schedule a consultation, please reach out to us today.