What is a thoracotomy with decortication?
What is a thoracotomy with decortication?
Decortication is a surgical procedure that removes a restrictive layer of fibrous tissue overlying the lung, chest wall, and diaphragm. The aim of decortication is to remove this layer and allow the lung to reexpand.
Is decortication a major surgery?
With these conditions, the lung will not expand to fill the thorax space. A major surgery called a pleuropneumonectomy can be the only available option, but only if the patient has been worked up before the surgery. Pleuropneumonectomy is a major surgery with a very high mortality and high invasiveness.
Is a thoracotomy a chest tube?
Chest tubes are inserted into this space to drain out any fluids or air, and allow the lungs to expand completely. This procedure is performed through thoracotomy, a surgical incision made to open the chest wall.
How is lung decortication done?
Lung decortication is a simple yet formidable procedure. It involves the excision of the thick fibrinous peel from the pleural surface, thereby permitting the expansion of the underlying lung parenchyma.
When is Decortication used?
Decortication is a type of surgical procedure performed to remove a fibrous tissue that has abnormally formed on the surface of the lung, chest wall or diaphragm. Generally, there is a space (called pleural space) in between the lungs and the chest wall, which is lined with a very thin fluid layer for lubrication.
How serious is a thoracotomy?
Immediate risks from the surgery include infection, bleeding, persistent air leakage from your lung and pain. Pain is the most commonly encountered complication of this procedure, and pain along the ribs and site of incision will most likely subside over days to weeks.
What is a VATS procedure lung?
Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is a procedure in which a small tube called a thoracoscope is inserted through a small incision between the ribs. At the end of the tube is a small camera. This lets the surgeon see the entire chest cavity without having to open up the chest or spread the ribs.
Is thoracotomy a major surgery?
A thoracotomy is when a surgeon goes between your ribs to get to your heart, lungs, or esophagus to diagnose or treat an illness. It’s a major operation, and doctors usually don’t use it if something simpler will work just as well.
What is a Bullectomy procedure?
Bullectomy is the surgical removal of a bulla, which is a dilated air space in the lung parenchyma measuring more than 1 cm. A bulla that occupies more than 30% of the hemithorax is referred to as a giant bulla. The most common cause of a lung bulla is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
What is the recovery time for a thoracotomy?
It is common to feel tired for 6 to 8 weeks after surgery. Your chest may hurt and be swollen for up to 6 weeks. It may ache or feel stiff for up to 3 months. You may also feel tightness, itching, numbness, or tingling around the incision for up to 3 months.
How painful is thoracic surgery?
Neuropathic pain after thoracic surgery, known as post-thoracotomy pain, is common and sometimes severe. The pain often becomes chronic and is associated with symptoms including burning, shooting, shocking, pressure-like, and aching sensations (1).
What is the recovery time for a VATS procedure?
You will have stitches or staples in the incisions. Your doctor will take these out 1 to 2 weeks after your surgery. The amount of time you will need to recover depends on the surgery you had. But you probably will need to take it easy at home for at least 1 to 2 weeks.
