Thoracic surgery as a distinct medical discipline deals with various disorders of the organs and structures located inside the chest cavity—lungs, heart, esophagus, and mediastinum. Of all the possible indications for thoracic surgery, one could name mediastinal and chest wall tumor treatment as one of the most important. Understanding the types of chest surgery and their benefits will help patients make well-informed decisions about their health.
What Are Mediastinal and Chest Wall Tumors?
Mediastinal tumors are tumors that originate from structures found in the mediastinum or chest cavity in between the lungs. This contains vital structures, including the heart, trachea, esophagus, and large blood vessels. These tumors may be benign or malignant and can develop from lymph nodes, nerves, or the thymus gland.
Chest wall tumors, as the name implies, arise from the structures that make up the walls of the chest cavity. They can be from ribs, muscles, and soft tissue. These tumors can also become benign or malignant and may demand surgery depending on their size and location as well as their capacity for metastasis.
Types of Chest Surgery for Tumors
Here are some common types of chest surgery for tumors:
Thoracotomy
A thoracotomy is that type of surgery in which the chest wall is subjected to a large incision in order to access the thoracic cavity. This may be required in large tumors or when a tumor has to be excised from an area that requires a lot of space in order to save blood vessels from injuries.
Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS)
VATS is an added technique that will enable surgeons to perform operations through small incisions with the help of a camera and small instruments. Open surgery is quite invasive, and using this method, patients take less time to recover as the pain is also significantly minimized.
Chest Wall Resection
In cases of managing chest wall tumors, it is possible for the surgeon to necessitate chest wall resection to include partial or complete lesions. It may as well require reconstructive surgeries to ensure the integrity of the chest wall after tumor excision.
What to Expect During Surgery
Before thoracic surgery for mediastinal or chest wall tumors, patients should be ready for a preoperative evaluation at Dr. Bhanushali Hospital and Center for Lung Surgery. This assessment, however, involves the use of imaging techniques, CT scans, together with MRI scans, in the assessment of the tumor size and position.
Patients will usually be given anesthesia on the day of surgery and will be under observation before, during, and after the operation. Surgery can take time depending on the type, but it usually takes a number of hours and sometimes may extend to several hours.
Recovery Process
After intervention surgery, the rehabilitation process will vary with the type of intervention performed and the overall status of the patient. After the surgery, patients are admitted to the hospital for observation, and the patient can stay there for a few days to over a week.
Pain management is important during the recovery process, and patients will be taught the best breathing techniques after the surgery. To ascertain the results of your treatment and to discuss any additional steps with your thoracic surgeon in Thane, additional appointments will be required.
Conclusion
Thoracic surgery is a significant intervention for most patients who are suffering from mediastinal and chest wall tumors across the world. If anyone is suffering from this thoracic illness, it will be helpful for them to speak with a competent thoracic surgeon in Thane like Dr. Amol Bhanushali at Dr. Bhanushali Hospital and Center for Lung Surgery. He will explain the possibility of treatment of various thoracic diseases.
FAQs
What are mediastinal and chest wall tumors?
Mediastinal tumors refer to tumors that develop in the mediastinum, while the chest wall tumors develop on the structures in the wall of the chest.
What types of surgery are performed for these tumors?
Common surgeries include thoracotomy and video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), depending on tumor size and location.
How can I find a qualified thoracic surgeon in Thane?
Research thoracic surgeons from nearby health facilities, read other patients’ testimonies, and talk with your general practitioner for advice on the best thoracic surgeon.