The chest or the thorax is an essential part of the body that reinforces vital organs, blood vessels and nerves. However, they are all prone to a range of health conditions that often arise due to various underlying factors. These conditions can also alter the normal functions and activities, causing more complications.
Although there are other treatment forms, thoracic surgery is the best treatment alternative for addressing such chest conditions. The type of surgical procedure is either minimally invasive or open surgery, depending on the nature of the disorder.
Defining Thoracic Surgery
Thoracic surgery is a surgical procedure that focuses on the thoracic cavity and chest organs. The thoracic cavity is located between the neck and diaphragm. It mainly consists of the heart, esophagus, lungs, the windpipe, and the major blood vessels.
Thoracic surgery aims to treat and repair the injured, damaged, or diseased organs and tissues within the thoracic cavity. On the other hand, thoracic surgeons are dedicated to helping patients with thoracic conditions through surgical treatment alternative. They also perform diagnostic tests to determine the condition, the underlying cause, severity, and the location.
When to See a Thoracic Surgeon?
Sometimes, the primary care specialists can refer you to a professional thoracic surgeon. This is especially if you are suffering from a chronic disease that can be addressed with a surgical procedure. However, you should also consider seeking a thoracic surgeon if you are experiencing signs and symptoms such as;
- Heart palpitation
- Chest pain, especially when moving the neck, shoulders, arms, or jaws
- Frequent fainting
- Dizziness
- Shortness of breath
- Persistent coughing, following a lung cancer diagnosis
- Chronic acid reflux or heartburn that affects the esophagus
What to Expect When Visiting a Thoracic Surgeon
The first step usually involves consultation. This is where the surgeon reviews and analyzes your medical history and health records. After that, you should expect any of the following;
- A physical examination: This is done to check the blood pressure level and lungs or heart health state. It also enables the surgeon to check for any signs and symptoms that might help with diagnosis.
- Diagnostic tests: Here, the surgeon can use x-ray technology or echocardiogram to diagnose and assess thoracic condition.
- A recommendation of a suitable therapeutic or diagnostic procedure to help treat and manage the thoracic condition
- Further discussion regarding the suitable surgical procedure, the benefits, and the risks or side effects that might arise
- A discussion of other available treatment options and their effectiveness
- Instructions and guidance to help you prepare for the surgical procedure ahead and how to ensure a quick, successful recovery.
Conditions that require a Thoracic Surgery
Some minor thoracic conditions can be addressed through non-invasive treatment options such as medication and therapies. However, chronic and life-threatening conditions that might require a surgical procedure include;
- Benign or noncancerous lung tumors, growths, and diseases
- Chest reconstruction
- Emphysema
- Esophageal cancer
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Heart failure and transplants
- Heart lesions such as valve disorders and coronary artery disease
- Lung cancer
- Lungs transplants
- Mesothelioma
- Tracheal resection
- Pulmonary hypertension
- Diaphragm paralysis and weakness
- Cystic fibrosis
Thoracic Surgical Procedures
The initial aim of performing surgery is to address and repair various thoracic conditions. The procedure to perform usually depends on the diseases or injury, the affected organs, location and severity. Some of these thoracic surgery procedures include;
Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS)
Thoracic surgeons can sometimes perform chest and lung procedures using the VATS technique. VATS is a surgical procedure that uses a thoracoscope, small thin tube attached to a camera at one of the ends. It’s usually inserted through the small incision created between the ribs. This allows the surgeon to visualize the whole thoracic cavity without the need to open up the chest or spread the ribs. It also makes the extraction of lung tissues easier.
Generally, this is a minimally invasive type of surgery that is characterized by a number of benefits. It includes a shorter recovery period and less bleeding. This is because it involves the creation of small incisions instead of large openings. This also makes the procedure easier and reduces risks and complications.
Bronchoscopy:
Bronchoscopy is a surgical procedure that uses a viewing scope. It involves inserting a small tiny tube (bronchoscope) through the mouth or the nose. It's then directed towards the throat into the lungs. This enables the surgeons to assess the health state of the lungs and air path and remove a lung tissue sample (biopsy).
Surgeons also use bronchoscopy in various ways including;
- Treatment procedures like stent placement to repair a collapsed air path caused by excessive pressure from the tumor
- Removing growth or mass blocking the air pathway
Robot-assisted thoracic surgery:
Robot-assisted thoracic surgery is an advanced technological procedure. Surgeons use it to produce detailed 3- dimensional viewing and images of the surgical area. This help enhances accuracy while controlling the tools and the camera using a robotic surgical system.
To perform the procedures, the surgeon starts by inserting the robotic tools through the small incisions made between the ribs. Special equipment is then used to conduct the surgery of cut out the lungs tissues through the incisions.
Endoscopy:
Endoscopy involves using a piece of special equipment (endoscope) to visualize and surgically operate the chest organs. An endoscope is a small flexible tube that is usually attached to a camera and light source. This enables the doctor to view the internal chest organs.
The procedure is usually performed by inserting the endoscope through the small incisions made on the chest surface. This makes it easier for the surgeons to identify the problems within the body without the need to create larger openings or incisions on the thorax. A pair of scissors or forceps attached to the endoscope is then used to conduct the surgical procedure. This technique is also essential for extracting tissues for biopsy.
Endoscopic ultrasound:
Endoscopic ultrasound procedure enables the surgeons to assess the lungs and digestive system diseases. It involves the use of an endoscope and high-frequency sound waves. This helps produce clear pictures and information of the chest and surrounding organs and tissues.
Sometimes, surgeons combine this technique with fine-needle aspiration procedure to conduct a biopsy. This involves removing tissue and fluid sample from the chest for further diagnosis of certain diseases.
Segmentectomy:
Segmentectomy is a surgical procedure to remove a section of the lung, tissue, or glands invaded by cancer. This is usually done to preserve and maintain as much of the healthy lung tissue intact. Thoracic surgeons often use this technique to treat early-stage lung cancers and removal of malignant growths.
Endobronchial ultrasound:
Endobronchial ultrasound is a procedure to diagnose various types of lung disease, including cancers, inflammation, and infections. It involves inserting a thin, flexible tube into the mouth and directing it towards the trachea and lungs. The tube is usually attached to a small camera and an ultrasound probe. This helps create images of the lungs and surrounding tissues and organs.
Lung transplant:
Lung transplant is a procedure to treat and restore lung disease. It’s suitable, especially for patients suffering from a chronic and irreversible lung condition. It involves removing the dead or damaged part of the lung and replacing it with a new, healthy one from the donor.
Benefits of Thoracic Surgery
Thoracic surgeries are often conducted to treat, repair, and manage a wide range of chest and lung condition. Other additional objectives of this surgical procedure include;
- Minimizing chest pain caused by certain heart conditions
- Enhancing the flow of blood through the blocked artery
- Increasing and facilitating physical activities that were initially hindered by thoracic conditions
- Unblocking the blocked arteries within the thoracic cavity
- Minimizing and preventing the risks of heart attacks
- Boosting digestion by addressing malfunctions of the system.
Risks Associated with Thoracic Surgery
Just like any other type of surgery, thoracic surgery is also associated with a few risks and side effects. However, this can vary from one person to another, depending on the thoracic condition and the procedure.
Therefore, the common risks and complication that might arise during and after the surgery include;
- Bleeding on the surgical site
- Infections
- Collapsed lung
- Breathing difficulties
- Negative reaction to anesthesia
- Air leakage from the lungs
- Irregular heart rhythms
- Blood clots formation
- Injury of the surrounding tissues and nerves during the procedures
Conclusion
Thoracic surgery is a treatment alternative for addressing conditions affecting the thoracic cavity and chest organs. It also includes the heart, esophagus, and lungs. Thoracic surgeons often recommend this procedure if the conditions are more intense and cannot be addressed using other treatment options.
CloudHospital aims at providing the best treatment services to every patient with either a chronic or acute thoracic condition. It’s also dedicated to providing comprehensive care and treatment to the young children, adolescents, and adults. Besides, it works with a multidisciplinary team of thoracic surgeons trained to handle all types of injuries, trauma, and illnesses.