Thoracic Surgery

Thoracic Surgery

Thoracic surgery is one of the key medical specialties that plays a crucial role in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting vital organs in the chest cavity. Thanks to modern technologies and minimally invasive methods, patients today have safer, more sparing and more effective treatment options.

What is thoracic surgery?

Thoracic surgery is a medical specialty that deals with the diagnosis and surgical treatment of diseases of the organs in the chest cavity, including the lungs, chest wall, trachea, bronchi, esophagus, pleura and diaphragm.

The goal of treatment is to relieve symptoms, restore normal function and improve the patient's quality of life, through modern and individually selected therapeutic approaches.

What diseases does thoracic surgery treat?

The thoracic surgery department diagnoses and treats both benign and malignant diseases, including:

• Lung cancer and other pulmonary tumors
• Pneumothorax (lung collapse)
• Chest wall diseases and tumors
• Esophageal diseases
• Traumatic chest injuries
• Tracheal diseases
• Diaphragmatic diseases
• Pleural diseases (pleural effusion, pleurisy)

Key diagnostic methods

Accurate diagnosis is key to successful treatment. In thoracic surgery, modern imaging and invasive diagnostic methods are used, such as:

• Chest X-ray
• Computed tomography (CT)
• Bronchoscopy
• Mediastinoscopy
• Biopsy
• Thoracentesis (examination of pleural fluid)

Treatment methods in thoracic surgery

Depending on the type and stage of the disease, individually selected treatment approaches are applied:

Surgical methods

• Open thoracic surgery
• Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS)
• Robotic thoracic surgery

Minimally invasive techniques

• Smaller incisions
• Less postoperative pain
• Shorter hospital stay
• Faster recovery

Adjunctive treatment (when necessary)

• Chemotherapy
• Radiotherapy
• Palliative care

When to consult a thoracic surgeon?

A consultation with a thoracic surgery specialist is recommended in the presence of:

• Persistent chest pain
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Cough, including with blood
• Difficulty swallowing
• Chest area trauma
• Detected pulmonary masses or pleural effusion

Early diagnosis significantly increases treatment success and the chances of full recovery.