Thoracic surgery refers to surgical procedures performed on the organs and structures within the chest cavity, known as the thorax. This may include:
Lungs: to treat conditions such as lung cancer, emphysema, and pneumonia
Esophagus: to repair or remove the esophagus, the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach
Mediastinum: the space between the lungs, where the heart, aorta, and other organs are located
Diaphragm: the muscle that separates the chest cavity from the abdominal cavity
Chest wall: to repair or remove parts of the chest wall, such as after trauma or infections
Thoracic surgery can be performed using open (traditional) or minimally invasive techniques. Robotic surgery with the Da Vinci Xi may be indicated for some procedures. The specific procedure chosen will depend on the underlying condition and the patient's individual circumstances.
