How is thoracic surgery done?

1. Preoperative evaluation

Before undergoing thoracic surgery, you will undergo a thorough preoperative evaluation to assess your overall health and fitness for surgery. This may include:

- A physical examination

- Blood tests

- Imaging studies, such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs

- Pulmonary function tests

- Electrocardiogram (ECG)

- Echocardiogram

2. Anesthesia

Thoracic surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia, which means that you will be unconscious and pain-free during the procedure.

3. Surgical incision

The type of surgical incision used will depend on the specific type of thoracic surgery being performed. For example, a median sternotomy (a vertical incision down the center of the chest) is commonly used for open-heart surgery, while a thoracotomy (an incision between the ribs) is commonly used for lung surgery.

4. Surgical procedure

Once the surgical incision has been made, the surgeon will perform the necessary procedure. This may involve:

- Removing a diseased organ or tissue

- Repairing a damaged organ or tissue

- Inserting a medical device, such as a pacemaker or artificial heart valve

5. Closure of the incision

After the surgical procedure has been completed, the incision will be closed with sutures or staples. A bandage or dressing will be applied to the incision site.

6. Postoperative care

After surgery, you will be taken to the recovery room, where you will be closely monitored for any complications. Once you are stable, you will be transferred to a hospital room.

Your postoperative care will depend on the type of surgery you had. However, you can expect to stay in the hospital for a few days to a few weeks. During this time, you will be given pain medication and antibiotics to help you recover.

You will also be given instructions on how to care for your incision and how to gradually increase your activity level. It is important to follow these instructions carefully to ensure a successful recovery.