Thoracic surgery focuses on diseases of the thorax (chest), including lung disease and other conditions.
An illuminated optic instrument inserted through an incision.
The area between the lungs in the thorax (ehest). The organs in this area include the heart and its large blood vessels, the trachea, esophagus, bronchi and lymph nodes.
Cancer cells have been found in the sputum (mucus coughed up from the lungs), but either no tumor has been found, or is too small to be checked.
An incision to open one side of your chest (thorax).
A long thin tube with a lighted camera on the end that is inserted in a small hole in the chest.
A thoracoscopy is a procedure that utilizes an endoscope to examine the pleura, lungs and mediastinum, and to obtain tissue for testing purposes. This procedure is done to assess lung cancer, take a biopsy for study, determine the cause of fluid in the chest cavity, introduce medications or other treatments directly into the lungs, and to treat accumulated fluids in the space around the lungs. This procedure is sometimes done as an alternative to a thoracotomy.
This is an inpatient procedure using general anesthesia. The surgeon will make several, small incisions in your side and insert an thoroscope containing a tiny camera through one of the incisions. The surgical instruments are inserted through the other incisions. The lung to be examined is deflated to create a space between the chest wall and the lung. The patient breathes with the other lung as well as with assistance from a ventilator. Using the camera as a guide, the surgeon takes tissue samples and reinflates the lung.
The surgeon closes the incisions except for one in which a chest tube is inserted to drain fluid and air from the incision site. The chest tube will remain for several days, and your hospital stay will typically range from two to five days. Medications for pain are given as needed, and you will have restrictions on lifting and other activities for several weeks.