Videoscopic Thoracic Surgery

Overview and Facts about Videoscopic Thoracic Surgery

Videoscopic Thoracic Surgery helps diagnose and treat many health problems that occur in the chest, including tumors. Videoscopic thoracic surgery can help:

• Drain fluid
• Perform biopsies
• Remove tumors
• Repair hernias
• Remove glands and lymph nodes

During this type of thoracic surgery, your surgeon uses a tiny camera to examine the chest area. This area includes your lungs, heart, ribcage and esophagus.

The surgical cameras allow your surgeon to perform minimally invasive surgery. Minimally invasive procedures carry fewer risks than open surgery.

What to Except during Videoscopic Thoracic Surgery?

Before surgery, your doctor will explain what procedure they plan to perform and will also review the goals and possible outcomes of your procedure.

On the day of the surgery, your medical team will administer anesthesia. This medication makes you sleep through the procedure. The team may also put a breathing tube down your throat. This tube helps supply your lungs with oxygen during your procedure.

Next, your surgeon will make a small incision in the chest area. He or she will then insert a tiny camera through the incision. This camera lets your surgeon examine the surgical site.

Your surgeon will use specially designed instruments to perform the procedure. In some cases, your surgeon may also use a robotic surgical system. Robotic surgery helps your surgeon work with greater precision.

Once the procedure is complete, your surgeon will remove the instruments and camera. They will then seal the incisions, and the team will take you to a recovery room.

Most patients stay in the hospital for a few days after their procedure. If you have certain health conditions, your surgeon may recommend a longer hospital stay.

What are the Risks of a Videoscopic Thoracic Surgery?

After videoscopic thoracic surgery, most patients make a full recovery. This surgery is generally safe and carries fewer risks than open surgery. However, some patients may experience:

• Bleeding
• Nerve damage
• Organ damage
• Pneumonia

In rare cases, patients may also experience complications due to anesthesia. Your doctor can help you weigh these risks and determine whether this type of thoracic surgery is right for you.

You can reduce your risk of complications by following your discharge instructions. Your doctor may prescribe medication before or after the surgery and may also suggest lifestyle changes. These recommendations can help speed up your recovery.

What are the Side Effects of Videoscopic Thoracic Surgery?

The recovery period may last for several weeks. During your recovery, you might feel sore or achy. Your incision may itch, and you may feel tired or run-down. These symptoms usually disappear as you heal.

Let your doctor know if your symptoms worsen suddenly. Notify your medical team right away if you notice redness, pus or severe itching around your incisions. These may be signs of post-surgical infection.