Thoracotomy
Thoracotomy is an incision into the pleural space, which is the space between the membranes surrounding the lungs and chest cavity. Performed to correct a problem in one of the lungs, thoracotomy allows the surgeon to see into the lung, and determine exactly how extensive a repair is needed or how much tissue needs to be removed. If thoracotomy is performed to treat lung cancer, nearby lymph nodes may also be removed to determine if the malignancy has spread. Depending on the extent of the problem and the condition of the patient, thoracotomy is performed laparoscopically or as open surgery.
Reasons for Thoracotomy
Thoracotomy, which requires general anesthesia, is performed for a variety of reasons, including the following:
- Removal of a lobe of the lung (lobectomy)
- Removal of an entire lung (pneumonectomy)
- Treatment of a collapsed lung (pneumothorax)
- Removal of tissue damaged by infection or disease
- Treatment of fluid buildup in the lungs (pleural effusion)
- Tissue biopsy
- Lung transplant
Thoracotomy is also used to treat pulmonary embolism.
Risks of Thoracotomy
Thoracotomy, whether done laparoscopically or as an open procedure, is serious surgery. It has the same risks as other major surgery, including:
- Excessive bleeding
- Blood clots
- Adverse reactions to anesthesia or medication
- Postsurgical infection
- Damage to adjacent organs
- Breathing problems
- Hernia at the incision site
Risks of thoracotomy in particular include the following:
- Pneumonia
- Leakage of air through the lung wall
- Worsening of any preexisting heart problems
A buildup of fluid in the chest cavity is also a risk of thoracotomy.
Recovery from Thoracotomy
Thoracotomy takes between 2 and 6 hours, and requires a hospital stay of 5 to 7 days. Recovery times vary from several weeks to a few months, depending on the overall condition of the patient and the method of the surgery used. After thoracotomy, the patient temporarily has a drainage tube implanted to remove waste fluids from the chest. To prevent blood clots in the legs, the patient wears special stockings, and receives injections of blood-thinning medication; intravenous medication is given to control pain. It is essential for the patient to learn and practice deep-breathing exercises to inflate the lungs, and prevent pneumonia or other infection.