Thoracic surgery treats pathologic disorders within the chest, including lung cancer. The latest minimally-invasive techniques are available at Acibadem Turkiye.
Thoracic surgery, also known as chest surgery, refers to organs located in the chest. It may be needed at any age for many reasons, from congenital abnormalities in infants to traumatic injuries or chest diseases in adults. A thoracic operation can involve the trachea, lungs, mediastinum, diaphragm, esophagus, or chest wall. The most common indication for chest surgery is cancer, including lung cancer and esophageal cancer. But many other conditions may require thoracic surgery, including trauma, gastroesophageal reflux, thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS), or hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating). Thoracic surgery procedures can be performed with open surgery or minimally invasive techniques.
Thoracotomy is a major surgery that involves opening the chest. It allows reaching organs within the thorax through the ribs or the breast bone. A thoracic surgeon may decide to use open thoracotomy when working on a large area of the chest or lung. It is often used with procedures such as Wedge resection (removal of a small piece of lung tissue), Lobectomy (removing one of the lung lobes), Pneumonectomy (removal of the entire lung). Esophagectomy or removal of a large part of the esophagus is another common thoracic procedure. Tumors of the thymus called thymomas may require removal of the thymus (thymectomy). In some cases, a thymectomy may be used as part of the treatment for myasthenia gravis.
At Acibadem Thoracic Surgery Department, major chest surgeries are performed in a multidisciplinary manner. Our experienced thoracic surgeons collaborate with specialists in radiology, oncology, gastroenterology to ensure comprehensive care and positive outcomes for each patient.
Recent medical developments make thoracic surgery less invasive and more comfortable for patients. The latest minimally-invasive methods use video assistance and provide access through smaller incisions. Unlike open chest surgery, minimally-invasive techniques do not require cutting of the ribs or breastbone. There are two options available for minimally-invasive chest surgery:
The main advantages of minimally-invasive thoracic operations are minimal tissue damage, fewer complications, shorter hospital stay, decreased chest pain after surgery, smaller scars, faster recovery post-surgery, and high patient satisfaction rates.
Nearly all traditional thoracic surgeries can be performed using minimally invasive techniques. At Acibadem Thoracic Surgery Department, this is the first option considered for every patient who needs chest surgery. However, minimally invasive surgery is not the best solution for everyone. Some patients might still require open surgery, depending on the pathology and its location. The most appropriate treatment for each patient is determined after detailed evaluation by a multidisciplinary council, with experienced physicians in Medical Oncology, Radiation Oncology, Pulmonology, Thoracic Surgery, Radiology, Pathology, and Nuclear Medicine.
How long does it take to recover from chest surgery depends on the specific case, the applied surgical procedure, and the skills of the thoracic surgeon performing the operation. Generally, the recovery time is shorter after minimally-invasive procedures compared to open surgery. At Acibadem Thoracic Surgery Department, the average hospital stay varies between 1 and 4 days. Usually, lung cancer surgery requires 1 night stay in the intensive care unit for lung cancer surgeries. In other surgeries, this is not always necessary.
Surgery affects patients differently. Therefore, the post-operative recovery period may vary according to the patient’s health history, general health condition, and the surgeon’s experience. Usually, the patients can return to their normal life 1-5 days after discharge with minimally-invasive procedures, while open surgery requires a few weeks to recover. Upon discharge, our medical team provides specific instructions for each patient regarding wound care, physical activities, diet, and follow-up examinations.
AcibademThoracic Surgery Department provides the full range of services for diagnosis and treatment of complex chest diseases, including advanced surgical methods implemented only in a few advanced medical centers worldwide. The conditions we treat include but are not limited to:
In thoracic surgery, advanced equipment and extensive expertise are a must for successful outcomes. Acibadem employs world-class thoracic surgeons with broad international experience, including presidency of the world’s largest thoracic surgery association, the European Board of Cardiothoracic Surgery (EBCTS). Our team was among the first globally and the first in Turkiye to implement the single-port VATS method, which is the least invasive lung cancer surgery up to date. State-of-the-art equipment and multidisciplinary approach contribute to improving the lives of our patients in the best way possible.