Frequently Asked Questions About Thoracic Surgery

If you have recently been informed that you have heart disease and that you will likely need thoracic surgery, then you are probably battling with a million questions and concerns about the procedure. Even though the procedure may seem new and frightening to you, rest assured that doctors have been successfully performing thoracic surgeries for many years, and you have little to worry about. To help alleviate some of your concerns and curiosities about the procedure, here are answers to common thoracic surgery-related questions that might be on your mind. Q. What Is A Thoracic Surgeon? A. A thoracic surgeon is a doctor who has received specialized education and experience in treating diseases that are specific to the thoracic region. These diseases include cancer, heart valve and vessel abnormalities, heart defects, coronary artery disease, and others. Cardiothoracic surgeons frequently perform surgeries and operations on the heart, as well as other organs in the chest. Q. What Kind Of Training Does A Thoracic Surgeon Receive? A. Thoracic surgeons must go through some of the most rigorous education and training in the medical field. After successfully graduating from medical school, they are typically required to complete a general surgery residency that lasts for five years. After that, they must graduate from an approved residency program for cardiothoracic surgery, which typically takes 2-3 years. Some thoracic surgeons choose to pursue even further training in a sub-specialty of their choice. Q. What Type Of Tests Are Commonly Done Before Surgery? A. Common pre-operative tests for cardiothoracic surgery patients include: • Chest x-rays (to evaluate the size of the heart and lungs) • Blood tests (to evaluate blood type and count) • Carotid Doppler (to evaluate blood vessels in the neck that follow through to the brain)rnThese tests are routine and relatively painless, so they shouldn’t cause any stress or concern. Q. Will I Experience Much Pain From Cardiothoracic Surgery? A. Most cardiothoracic surgery patients can expect to feel minimal pain. A nurse will regularly evaluate your pain levels and deliver medications that will help to ensure your comfort. Q. What Is The Average Length Of Hospital Stay Post-Surgery? A. It is not uncommon for patients of cardiothoracic surgery to be well enough to return home after only 3-4 days in the hospital. However, your doctor will give you specific hospital stay recommendations that will be based on your particular condition and how well you recover post-surgery. Q. What Type Of Care Will I Need Once I Return Home? A. You should plan to have someone with you 24 hours per day for at least one week after your surgery. It is important to remember that cardiothoracic surgery can exact quite a toll on your body, and you should be careful to get the rest that you need. You should make sure that someone is available for the first week to help you with the following tasks: • Grocery shoppingrn• Preparing mealsrn• Helping with menial activities such as bathing and cleaningrn• Picking up required medicationsrn• Assisting with rehabilitation activities as neededrnIf you have any additional questions about your upcoming thoracic surgery that haven’t been answered here, be sure to ask your doctor or nurse so that you are properly prepared for your surgery.