scroll to top
Loading icon
Health Information Center

Thoracotomy

Authors:
  • Amy Scholten, MPH
Publication Type:

Procedure

Thoracotomy

(Lung Surgery; Surgery, Lung)

Definition

A thoracotomy is surgery to open the chest. The surgeon will use the smallest opening they can. They may pass a tube with a camera on between the ribs to help them see. This is called video-assisted thorascopic surgery, or VATS.

Reasons for Procedure

This surgery is done to access the chest to diagnose or treat problems of the lungs, aorta, heart, diaphragm, and spine. For example, the opening may be used to:

  • Remove tumors or lymph nodes
  • Remove blood clots from the chest
  • Remove part or all of the lung
  • Repair the heart
  • Treat a lung that has collapsed due to disease or injury

Possible Complications

Problems are rare, but all procedures have some risk. The doctor will go over some problems that could happen, such as:

  • Excess bleeding
  • Problems from anesthesia, such as wheezing or sore throat
  • Infection
  • Blood clots
  • Collapsed lung
  • Damage to other organs or structures
  • A buildup of air or gases in the chest

Things that may raise the risk of problems are:

  • Smoking
  • Drinking alcohol
  • Long term health issues such as diabetes or obesity
  • Major injury to multiple parts of the body
  • Past radiation therapy

What to Expect

Prior to Procedure

The surgical team may meet with you to talk about:

  • Anesthesia options
  • Any allergies you may have
  • Current medicines, herbs, and supplements that you take and whether you need to stop taking them before surgery
  • Fasting before surgery, such as avoiding food or drink after midnight the night before
  • Whether you need a ride to and from surgery
  • Tests that will need to be done before surgery

Anesthesia

The doctor will give general anesthesia. You will be asleep.

Description of Procedure

The chest can be opened in the:
  • Back
  • Side
  • Front

An incision will be made between two ribs. The chest wall will then be opened. A tube will be inserted to drain fluid or air. Any needed procedure will be done at this time. The chest will be closed. The incisions will be closed with stitches or staples. A bandage will be placed over the site.

Incision and Drainage Tubes

Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

thoracic drainshttp://services.epnet.com/getimage.aspx?imageiid=72167216thoracic drains.jpgthoracic drainsNULLjpgthoracic drainsNULL\\hgfiler01a\intellect\images\thoracic drains.jpgNULL66NULL2008-07-20298394Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

How Long Will It Take?

About 3 to 4 hours or longer

Will It Hurt?

Pain is common in the first six weeks. Medicine and home care can help.

For some people the pain does not go away.

Average Hospital Stay

The usual length of stay is 5 to 10 days. You may need to stay longer if there are any problems.

Post-procedure Care

At the Hospital

After the procedure, the staff may:

  • Give medicines to help with pain and nausea
  • Remove any tubes placed during surgery
  • Teach exercises to help with breathing

During your stay, the hospital staff will take steps to lower your risk of infection, such as:

  • Washing their hands
  • Wearing gloves or masks
  • Keeping your incisions covered

There are also steps you can take to lower your risk of infection, such as:

  • Washing your hands often and reminding visitors and staff to do the same
  • Reminding staff to wear gloves or masks
  • Not letting others touch your incision

At Home

Recovery may take 4 to 6 weeks. Physical activity will be limited during this time. You will need to ask for help with daily activities and delay returning to work.

Problems To Look Out For

Call your doctor if you are not getting better or you have:

  • Signs of infection, such as fever or chills
  • Redness, swelling, a lot of bleeding, or discharge at the incision site
  • Lasting nausea or vomiting
  • Pain that you cannot control with medicine
  • Problems breathing
  • Coughed up mucus that is yellow, green, or bloody

If you think you have an emergency, call for medical help right away.

RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

References

  • Hemothorax. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/hemothorax.
  • Raveglia, F., Scarci, M., et al. Ultimate management of post thoracotomy morbidities: a set of surgical technique and peri-operative precautions. J Thorac Dis. 2019; 11(3): 370–375.
  • Thoracotomy. American Lung Association website. Available at: https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-procedures-and-tests/thoracotomy.
Last Updated:
2023-01-01

(C) Copyright 2023 EBSCO Information Services

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.