Thoracic Surgery

India has a growing healthcare sector and is home to many highly skilled and experienced thoracic surgeons who use the latest techniques and technology to perform thoracic surgery. Many hospitals in India have state-of-the-art facilities and advanced medical equipment to ensure the best possible outcomes for patients. The cost of thoracic surgery in India is significantly lower compared to other countries, making it an affordable option for patients from around the world. India is also known for its excellent post-operative care and rehabilitation programs.

What is Cardio Vascular Thoracic Surgery?

Cardio vascular thoracic surgery is actually the surgical operation of cardiovascular (heart and blood vessel) and pulmonary (lung). It diagnoses and treats heart, lung, and other related structures like the oesophagus or feeding tube, trachea or windpipe, and diaphragm diseases and traumatic injuries.A cardiothoracic surgeon is a general surgeon who specializes in cardiothoracic surgery. Some of the cardiothoracic surgeons specialize in complicated procedures like heart and lung transplants.

Depending upon the surgical process types of cardio vascular thoracic surgery can take place:

• Open Surgery
• Endoscopic Surgery (Laparoscopic or thoracoscopic)
• Robotic Surgery

Types of Thoracic Surgery 

Thoracic surgery involves procedures related to the chest, specifically the organs and structures within the thoracic cavity. Several types of thoracic surgery address various conditions:

1. Lung Surgery: This surgery treats lung cancer, infections, or lung damage. It can involve removing part or all of a lung (lobectomy or pneumonectomy).

2. Esophageal Surgery: Used to treat esophageal cancer or severe acid reflux, this surgery involves removing or repairing parts of the esophagus.

3. Mediastinal Surgery: This procedure removes tumors or cysts in the mediastinum, the space between the lungs where the heart, trachea, and other vital organs are located.

4. Pleural Surgery: Treats the lining of the lungs (pleura) for issues like pleural effusion or infections by removing fluid or parts of the pleura.

5. Minimally Invasive Surgery (VATS): Video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) uses small incisions and a camera to treat chest issues with less pain and quicker recovery.

Risks and Benefits of Thoracic Surgery

Risks of Thoracic Surgery

1. Infection: Like any surgery, there's a risk of infection at the incision site or within the chest cavity.
2. Bleeding: Significant bleeding may occur during or after surgery, sometimes requiring a blood transfusion.
3. Breathing Problems: After lung surgery, breathing difficulties may arise, which can lead to longer recovery times or complications.
4. Blood Clots: Surgery increases the risk of blood clots, which could travel to the lungs (pulmonary embolism) and cause severe issues.
5. Heart Problems: Some patients may experience irregular heart rhythms or other heart-related complications after surgery.

Benefits of Thoracic Surgery

1. Improves Quality of Life: Surgery can relieve painful or dangerous conditions like lung cancer, severe infections, or chest trauma, leading to better health.
2. Cure or Control Disease: Thoracic surgery can effectively treat cancers, tumors, or other diseases in the chest, preventing further spread or damage.
3. Minimally Invasive Options: With techniques like VATS, recovery is quicker, there’s less pain, and hospital stays are shorter, reducing overall risks.
4. Restores Lung Function: For those with lung issues, surgery can help restore proper lung function, making breathing easier and improving daily activities.

Thoracic surgery can be performed using traditional open surgery or minimally invasive techniques, such as video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) or robotic-assisted thoracic surgery. The choice of surgical approach depends on several factors, including the patient's condition, the type of procedure, and the surgeon's expertise. Patients need to have a complete set of blood tests and other tests such as include imaging or tests that measure their heart rhythm and function. 

Before the Procedure

1. Consultation: You will meet with your surgeon to discuss the need for thoracic surgery, whether it’s to treat lung problems, esophageal issues, or chest conditions. Your medical history will be reviewed, and tests like X-rays, CT scans, or blood tests may be ordered.

2. Pre-Surgery Instructions: Your doctor will provide instructions, such as:

   • Fasting: You’ll need to avoid food and drink for several hours before surgery.
   • Medication Adjustments: Certain medications may need to be paused, particularly blood thinners.

3. Anesthesia Plan: You’ll be briefed on the anesthesia, which will likely be general anesthesia to keep you asleep and pain-free during the procedure.

During the Procedure

1. Incisions: The surgeon makes small or large incisions in the chest area, depending on the type of surgery. If it’s a minimally invasive surgery (VATS or robotic-assisted), smaller incisions are used for inserting a camera and instruments.

2. Surgical Steps: The specific steps depend on the surgery type. The surgeon may remove part of a lung, repair the esophagus, or address other thoracic issues like tumors or cysts.

3. Closure: After the necessary procedure is completed, the incisions are closed with stitches or staples. A chest tube might be inserted to drain any fluid.

After the Procedure

1. Recovery Room: You’ll be monitored in a recovery room as the anesthesia wears off. Pain medication will be provided to help manage discomfort.

2. Hospital Stay: Depending on the complexity of the surgery, you may stay in the hospital for a few days. Breathing exercises and physical therapy might be recommended to aid recovery.

3. At-Home Recovery: Once discharged, you’ll need to follow your doctor’s aftercare instructions, which may include managing pain, caring for the incision, and gradually increasing activity levels. Follow-up appointments will be scheduled to check your progress.

Thoracic Surgery at EdhaCare

Medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pulmonologists, pathologists, and thoracic surgeons are among the many skilled professionals who collaborate to form our Thoracic Oncology Program. In a single clinic, patients can receive a wide range of services from this multidisciplinary staff, including:

• Radiologists that specialize in thoracic readings evaluate the results of diagnostic and staging tests, pathology, and imaging services.
• Molecular tumor profiling to identify the most promising therapies for the distinct genetic tumor composition of each patient
• Chemotherapy, including novel medication combinations and oral and intravenous options
• Radiation treatment, encompassing precision-targeted stereotactic radiation delivery methods
• Surgery, including robotic, video-assisted, and minimally invasive techniques
• Supportive care, such as counseling on nutrition, assistance with pulmonology, quitting smoking, and pain control