What Is Thoracic Surgery?
Thoracic (thor-ah-sick) surgery might sound like super-complex medical jargon, but it's an essential branch that deals with surgeries within the chest region. From diagnosing conditions to treating them, thoracic surgeons play a crucial role in maintaining our overall health. Today, we'll unravel the term thoracic surgery, break down medical jargon, and provide insights into the thoracic surgeries offered here at Suncoast Surgical Associates.
What Does “Thoracic” Mean?
The term "thoracic" refers to the region of the body known as the thorax, which is also commonly referred to as the chest. The thorax is the part of the body located between the neck and the abdomen. It is enclosed by the ribcage and contains vital organs such as the heart, lungs, and esophagus. In medical terminology, "thoracic" is used to describe anything related to or situated within this chest region.
What Are Examples of Thoracic Surgeries?
Thoracic surgery focuses on physically treating conditions that affect the chest, which includes the lungs, esophagus, and other organs in the chest cavity. Some common thoracic surgeries include:
Lung Resection: This surgery involves removing a portion of the lung affected by tumors, infections, or other conditions. It can be done through minimally invasive techniques (small incisions), like video-assisted thoracoscopic (scope in the chest) surgery (VATS), or through open surgery (large incision).
Lobectomy (loab-eck-tuh-me): A type of lung resection where an entire lobe of the lung is removed. It's often necessary in cases of lung cancer to prevent the spread of the disease.
Pneumonectomy (new-mo-neck-tuh-me): In this procedure, an entire lung is removed due to severe lung diseases or advanced lung cancer.
Esophagectomy (ee-saw-fa-jeck-tuh-me): This surgery involves removing a portion of the esophagus, often due to esophageal cancer or severe acid reflux.
Why Would Someone Be Referred to a Thoracic Surgeon?
A thoracic surgeon is consulted when medical conditions affect the organs within the chest cavity. Some situations that might lead to a referral include:
Lung Cancer: If a patient is diagnosed with lung cancer, a thoracic surgeon may be involved in planning and performing surgery to remove tumors.
Chest Trauma: In cases of severe chest injuries from accidents or other trauma, a thoracic surgeon may be needed to repair damaged organs.
Benign Lung Tumors: Even non-cancerous growths in the lungs might require surgical removal if they're causing symptoms or affecting lung function.
Esophageal Disorders: Conditions like esophageal cancer, severe acid reflux, or difficulty swallowing might necessitate surgery.
What Is the Most Common Thoracic Surgery?
One of the most common thoracic surgeries is the Lung Resection, mentioned above. This procedure is often used to treat lung cancer, remove tumors, or manage lung infections. Lung resection can involve removing a portion of the lung (lobectomy) or the entire lung (pneumonectomy), depending on the extent of the disease.
The Suncoast Surgical Associates Thoracic Team:
Here at Suncoast Surgical Associates, our very own Dr. Picciocca is board certified in General and Thoracic Surgery. His team can help you with any of the above-mentioned conditions and concerns. To get in touch with our team, either ask for a referral from your doctor or contact us today.