Thoracic Key

Introduction Print Section Listen First described in ad 160 by Galen, the esophagus has proved to be a challenging organ to understand and manipulate. Its complex physiology and treacherous location…

Introduction Print Section Listen Esophageal cancer is the eighth most frequent cancer worldwide. It is the sixth most common cause of cancer death, accounting for 5.4% of all cancer deaths.1…

Introduction Print Section Listen For surgeons familiar with the unique and extraordinary challenges presented by surgery of esophageal malignancy, the words of Ivor Lewis appear as valid today as they…

Introduction Print Section Listen Esophageal cancer is ranked among the top 10 most common cancers in the world, with more than 480,000 new cases diagnosed annually.1 The proportion of cases…

Introduction Print Section Listen Esophagoscopy is an endoscopic procedure that permits visualization of the internal lumen of the esophagus. It is usually accomplished as a part of a more extended…

Introduction Print Section Listen Cancer staging is an evolutionary process. The Tumor-Node-Metastasis (TNM) esophageal cancer staging, first introduced in 1968, rapidly developed, but unfortunately then stagnated for decades. T classifications…

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…