Thoracic Surgery Treatment

It is a non-cardiac operation in which benign and malignant disease of the chest is treated. This surgery is also named as chest operation. It also focuses on treating affected organs of the chest, lungs, esophagus, chest wall, diaphragm, food pipe, windpipe and trachea. The surgery does not include the treatment of the heart. It is a less invasive process which involves advanced methods that gives various benefits. Such as helps in reducing pain, minimal scarring and ensure fast recovery.

Reasons for Thoracic Surgery

It helps to treat the following conditions:-

• Esophageal cancer 
• Chest wall cancer
• Excessive sweating
• Lung cancer
• Narrowing of windpipe or trachea
• End-stage lung disease
• Sunken chest
• Pulmonary infection
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease
• Shortness of breathing, emphysema
• Swallowing issues
• Hiatal hernia

Types of Thoracic Surgery

There are some general and advanced technologies for treating thoracic diseases and these are as follows:-

1. Advanced Technologies

There are some advanced versions of thoracic surgery and these are as follows:-

2. Robot-Assisted Thoracic Surgery

A 3D and high definition camera is placed by making a small cut between the ribs. It gives a good view inside the chest cavity. It is done by using the robotic surgical system. A surgeon uses these computerized instruments to remove lung tissue without making large incisions.

3. Laparoscopic Surgery

In this technique, the endoscope and other tools are used by making a small cut. It is painless, less scarring and quick recovery.

4. Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery

It is a less invasive process where a small tube with a tiny camera is inserted between the ribs. It is put inside by making a small incision. This camera helps a surgeon to view a whole chest cavity without opening the chest. This is done to avoid excessive pain in the chest and it also offers to an individual to back to their work.

5. Image-Guided Surgery

It is real-time imagining which helps doctor to operate more precisely.

6. General Technologies

There are some general procedures and these are mentioned below:-

a) Pneumectomy – It involves the removal of whole lungs. Its removal are of two types; left-sided and right-sided pneumectomy.

b) Bronchoscopy – In this a small instrument is placed through the mouth or nose to evaluate airways and lungs.

c) Wedge Resection – It involves a triangle-shaped slice of the tissue from the lungs. It is done by removing a tumor and a small part of the tissue.

d) Esophagectomy – All or some portion of the esophagus are removed. In this process the stomach is pulled up and joined with remaining esophagus.

e) Lobectomy – This involves removal of infected lobes.

f) Hiatal Hernia Repair – It involves the treatment of various health problems, like acid reflux, heartburn and difficulty in swallowing. It is done by giving anesthesia. It involves the combination of laparoscopic and robotic technique. 

g) Thymectomy – It involves the removal of the thymus gland. It occurs under the breastbone which helps to fight against infection.

Risks of Thoracic Surgery

This chest operation has some risks and complications that may differ from person to person. These are as follows:-

• Pneumonia
• Blood clots formation in the legs
• Excessive bleeding may takes place
• Surgical sites may become infected
• Cause cardiac issue and strain the heart
• Nerve damage to the area near the chest and spine 
• Formation of the plaque inside the chest
• Allergic reaction due to anesthesia
• Accumulation of fluid around the lungs and cause lung collaps