Thoracic surgery focuses on diseases of the thorax (chest), including lung disease and other conditions.
An incision to open one side of your chest.
An acute or chronic disease marked by inflammation of the lungs and caused by viruses, bacteria, or other microorganisms and sometimes by physical and chemical irritants.
A wedge resection is the surgical removal of a small portion of the long along with the healthy tissue surrounding the lung. The procedure is performed to remove a lung tumor, or to aid in the diagnosis of lung cancer.
This is an inpatient procedure and you will be given general anesthesia. The surgeon will perform a thoracotomy (an incision to open up one side of the chest), and will remove a wedge-shaped section of the lung. A chest tube may be inserted to allow draining of fluids that may build up in the lung.
Your hospital stay will usually be around a week, and you will be given respiratory therapy during that time to aid in recovery, facilitate lung function and prevent pneumonia.