Thoracic Surgeon

Conditions Treated

• •Lung Cancer — Surgery is the best chance of cure for early-stage lung cancer. Minimally invasive VATS lobectomy is now preferred over open thoracotomy.
• •Pneumothorax (Collapsed Lung) — Air leaking into the space around the lung causing it to collapse. Can occur spontaneously in tall, thin young males or after trauma.
• •Empyema — Infected fluid (pus) collection in the pleural space around the lung, usually complicating pneumonia.
• •Oesophageal Cancer — Cancer of the food pipe. Surgery (oesophagectomy) is the primary treatment for resectable disease.
• •Mediastinal Tumours — Tumours in the central chest cavity (mediastinum) including thymoma, lymphoma, and germ cell tumours.

Health Tips

• •Don't smoke — it's the primary cause of lung cancer
• •Report persistent cough or chest pain
• •Get lung cancer screening if you're a long-term smoker
• •Practice deep breathing exercises

How to Prepare for Your Visit

• •Complete pulmonary function tests (PFT) and CT scan as ordered — these determine surgical approach
• •Stop smoking immediately — even 2 weeks of cessation reduces post-operative lung complications significantly
• •Practice breathing exercises and incentive spirometry before surgery — this improves post-operative lung function
• •Optimise nutrition — adequate protein intake improves wound healing and recovery
• •Expect chest tubes after surgery — they drain air and fluid and are typically removed in 2-5 days
• •Early mobilisation is encouraged — sitting up and walking early reduces pneumonia risk
• •Use the incentive spirometer regularly after surgery — deep breathing exercises prevent lung collapse
• •Pain will be managed with epidural, nerve blocks, or medications — communicate if pain is not controlled
• •Continue deep breathing exercises at home — this is the single most important recovery activity
• •Report fever, increasing breathlessness, or wound changes immediately
• •Avoid heavy lifting for 4-6 weeks after surgery
• •Attend follow-up appointments for imaging and wound check as scheduled

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

• •Can you do this with VATS (keyhole surgery) instead of open thoracotomy?
• •How much lung function will I lose after surgery?
• •Will I need chemotherapy or radiation before or after surgery?
• •What is the expected recovery time?
• •What are the risks of this specific operation?
• •How many of these surgeries do you perform annually?

When to See a Specialist

A Thoracic Surgeon operates on organs in the chest — lungs, oesophagus, and chest wall.

• •Lung cancer requiring surgical removal
• •Oesophageal cancer or strictures
• •Recurrent pneumothorax (collapsed lung)
• •Mediastinal tumours
• •Empyema (pus in chest cavity)
• •Chest wall tumours or deformities

Thoracic surgeons work closely with pulmonologists and oncologists for comprehensive chest disease management.