Chest (Thoracic) Surgery

Thoracic surgery, also known as chest surgery, refers to surgeries on 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 reason 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 surgeries may be done via open surgery or with minimally invasive techniques like robotic thoracic surgery and video-assisted thoracic surgery.

Thoracotomy procedures

A thoracotomy is a major surgery that involves opening the chest to reach organs within the thorax through the ribs or the breastbone. A thoracic surgeon may decide to perform an 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 (removal of a lung lobe), or pneumonectomy (removal of the entire lung). Esophagectomy (removal of a large part of the esophagus) is another common thoracic procedure. Tumors of the thymus, called thymomas, may require the removal of the thymus (thymectomy). In some cases, a thymectomy may be used as part of the treatment for myasthenia gravis.

In our partner hospitals Thoracic Surgery Department, major chest surgeries are performed in a multidisciplinary manner. Our experienced thoracic surgeons collaborate with specialists in radiology, oncology, and gastroenterology to ensure comprehensive care and positive outcomes for each patient.

Nearly all traditional thoracic surgeries can be performed using minimally invasive techniques. In our partner hospitals Thoracic Surgery Department, this is the first option considered for every patient who needs chest surgery. However, minimally invasive surgery like video-assisted thoracic surgery and robotic thoraic 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 will I stay in the hospital?

The recovery time after chest surgery depends on the specific case, the surgical procedure, and the skills of the thoracic surgeon performing the operation. Generally, recovery time is shorter after minimally invasive procedures than open surgery. In our partner hospitals Thoracic Surgery Department, the average hospital stay is 1–4 days. Usually, lung cancer surgery requires a one-night stay in the intensive care unit. For other surgeries, this may not be necessary.

Surgery affects patients differently. Therefore, the post-operative recovery period varies according to the patient’s health history, general health condition, and the surgeon’s experience. Usually, patients can return to their normal life 1–5 days after discharge from minimally-invasive procedures, and require a few weeks to recover from open surgery. Upon discharge, our medical team provides specific instructions for each patient regarding wound care, physical activities, diet, and follow-up examinations.

Why us for thoracic surgery?

In thoracic surgery, advanced equipment and extensive expertise are necessary for successful outcomes. Our partner hospitals employs world-class thoracic surgeons with broad international experience, including the president of the world’s largest thoracic surgery association, the European Board of Cardiothoracic Surgery. Our team was the first in Turkey and among the first globally to implement the single-port VATS method, which is the least invasive lung cancer surgery to date. Our state-of-the-art equipment and multidisciplinary approach contribute to improving the lives of our patients in the best way possible.