Thoracotomy
A thoracotomy is a surgical procedure that involves opening the chest wall in order to access the lungs, esophagus, trachea, aorta, heart, and diaphragm. The procedure may be performed on the right or left chest.
Reasons for the Procedure
There are several reasons why a doctor may opt for the use of a thoracotomy. They include:
- Confirmation of a diagnosis of a lung or chest disease, such as lung cancer or mesothelioma
- Removal of a portion of the lung or the entire lung due to lung disease, including mesothelioma
- Re-inflation of lung tissue that has collapsed due to disease
- Treating complications of emphysema
- Removing blood clots from the lung
- To treat disorders of the esophagus or trachea
What to Expect
Prior to the procedure, doctors will perform a number of tests including blood work and urinalysis, and a pulmonary function test, which can attest to the fact that the patient's lungs are or are not strong enough to undergo the thoracotomy.
A thoracotomy is performed in a hospital under general anesthesia. The patient may also be given an epidural through which pain medication can be dispensed.
The surgeon will make a large incision between two ribs, from front to back, in order to open the chest wall and access the lungs. At this point, the doctor can remove tissue or tumors from the lung or perform other necessary procedures. When the thoracotomy is complete, a chest tube will remain for several days, insuring that the lung does not deflate and that there is no collection of blood or air in the lung. Other tubes may also remain in place to assist with breathing.
The procedure takes about 3 to 4 hours to perform and patients should expect a hospital stay of about 5 to 10 days, depending on one's general state of health and barring any serious complications.
Last modified: December 17 2007.
