Thoracotomy

Thoracotomy is a procedure to open the chest cavity to carry out many simple as well as complex surgeries such as Lobectomy, Pneumonectomy, Segmentectomy and Wedge Resection. The incision made in the wall of the chest gives access to the heart, throat, lungs and diaphragm.

Symptoms

There are several surgical procedures that require a Thoracotomy:

• Lung cancer surgery
• Esophageal cancer surgery
• Heart/aortic surgery
• Chest trauma
• Persistent pneumothorax 
• Treatment of COPD
• Tuberculosis
• Biopsy to evaluate tumors/growths in the mediastinum 
• Anterior spine surgery

Treatment

Depending on the condition and type of surgery, there are several ways a thoracotomy can be performed such as:

• Postero-lateral thoracotomy - This is the most common and standard procedure to gain access to the lungs for lung cancer.
• Median thoracotomy – This procedure involves making an incision through the sternum to gain access to the chest. This procedure is commonly done to perform surgery on the heart.
• Axillary thoracotomy – This involves making an incision near the armpit. 
• Anterolateral thoracotomy - This procedure is usually used for emergencies involving an incision made in front of the chest.

Risks

There are several risks involved in a Thoracotomy. There may be a lot of loss of blood during the surgery. Infection may also occur at the site of incision. There are chances of air leaking out of the lungs which would require a chest tube after the surgery. Blood clots may form in the lungs or in the legs. The patient may suffer with Pneumonia after a Thoracotomy surgery. Rarely, arrhythmia and heart attack may occur.

After Procedure

After a Thoracotomy, the patient stays in the hospital for at least 4 days during which the blood pressure, heart rate and breathing is consistently monitored. All strenuous physical exercises must be avoided for at least 6 weeks after surgery.