Introduction Print Section Listen Chest imaging is a critical diagnostic tool for evaluating thoracic anomalies in anatomic structure and disease. The variety of imaging technologies available for diagnostic evaluation in…
Introduction Print Section Listen A surgical incision opens an aperture into the thorax to permit the work of the planned operation to proceed. If placed correctly, the operation proceeds with…
Introduction Print Section Listen Ventilator management for most thoracic surgery patients involves two distinct phases: (1) support in the operating room while the patient is undergoing surgery and receiving general…
Introduction Print Section Listen The concept of chest tube drainage was first advocated by Hippocrates when he described the treatment of empyema by means of incision, cautery, and insertion of…
Introduction Print Section Listen Postoperative care of the thoracic surgery patient requires an active rehabilitative approach. Both the type of surgical procedure and the underlying disease can present a significant…
Introduction Print Section Listen Anesthetic management of the thoracic surgical patient may improve operative conditions, efficiency, and outcome. Overlap exists in the territories of responsibility between thoracic surgeons and anesthesiologists,…
Introduction Print Section Listen The thoracic surgery patient population can present significant challenges to clinical care. Patients often are older, current, or former smokers, and sicker than other surgical populations….
Introduction Print Section Listen The decision to proceed with any surgical procedure involves a careful consideration of the anticipated benefits of surgery and an assessment of the risks associated with…
Introduction Print Section Listen The emergence of general thoracic surgery in North America as a surgical subspecialty distinct from general surgery, congenital heart surgery, and adult cardiac surgery occurred through…
PATIENT STORY Print Section Listen KG is a 38-year-old woman with the diagnosis of transposition of the great arteries (TGA). She underwent an atrial switch operation at age 2 (Figure…
