What You Need to Know About Thoracic Surgery

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If you're thinking of having surgery, there are a few things you need to know. These include your options and the recovery period. Additionally, it's critical to be knowledgeable about the various thoracic surgical procedures performed by surgeons like Armen Parajian, such as thymectomy, VATS, and video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS).

Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery, or VATS, is a surgical technique involving a special video camera, a thoracoscope, and smaller incisions in the chest wall. It was developed over two decades ago and has been widely accepted as a minimally invasive treatment for lung and chest diseases. However, there are still a few risks associated with the procedure.

Anesthesiologists may find VATS challenging. Some complications during the procedure include blood clots, infection, abnormal heartbeats, and bleeding. The postoperative recovery time is also affected by the type of anesthesia used.

One advantage of VATS is that it minimizes pain. Another benefit is the fact that it avoids the division of muscle tissue. This means that patients recover faster and have less pain.

VATS has been shown to have similar oncologic outcomes as open thoracotomy. There is also evidence of lower operative bleeding and fewer postoperative complications.

Thymectomy

Thymectomy is a surgical procedure involving removing the gland or fatty tissue of the mediastinal region. It is considered minimally invasive compared to open surgery, but the risk of capsular disruption and increased postoperative bleeding remains.

The most common indication for thymectomy is the removal of a benign tumor. Less common indications are the removal of a malignant tumor. In addition, a pneumothorax may require a prolonged tube thoracostomy.

Mediastinum resection can be performed using several techniques. Several variants of mediastinum resection include subxiphoid incision, cervical incision, partial or total median sternotomy, and upper partial sternotomy.

Minimally invasive surgery is becoming increasingly popular as a thoracic surgery alternative. It allows for shorter hospital stays and faster recovery while minimizing postoperative complications. Some studies have shown that it is safer than traditional open surgery. However, more research is needed to assess the long-term results of minimally invasive thymectomy.

Esophageal Cancer

Esophageal cancer is very rare, with an incidence of approximately 1%. It has two main types: esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. While esophageal cancer is often cured by surgically removing part or all of the esophagus, it can cause significant complications.

Invasive thoracic surgery for esophageal cancer is a complex operation requiring various techniques. It is important to choose a center with the most experience. The esophagectomy will remove part or all of the esophagus and the lymph nodes near the tumor. A feeding tube may be placed in the stomach or the small intestine.

Treatments include radiation and chemotherapy. The most common treatment is concurrent chemoradiotherapy. However, some patients also receive radiation therapy before undergoing surgery.

Recovery Period

A person's recovery after invasive thoracic surgery is based on many factors. The type of procedure, the patient's pre-operative health, the length of time spent in the hospital, and the care provided after the surgery are all important.

Patients may stay in the hospital for up to a week after surgery. They will then be discharged. It is normal for patients to experience a lot of fatigue during the first week. If they are not feeling well, they can be treated with pain medications.

Depending on the type of thoracic surgery, the recovery period may be longer. Symptoms may include shortness of breath, disturbed sleep, and fatigue. In most cases, these symptoms are less intense than at the beginning of the surgery. However, the severity of postoperative symptoms can vary from one patient to another.