Name of the Procedure:

Thoracotomy with Therapeutic Wedge Resection (e.g., mass, nodule), Initial

Summary

A thoracotomy with therapeutic wedge resection is a surgical procedure where an incision is made in the chest wall to remove a wedge-shaped piece of lung tissue, typically to address abnormalities like masses or nodules. This is usually the initial intervention for such issues.

Purpose

• Condition Addressed: Lung masses, nodules, tumors, or other abnormal lung tissues.
• Goals: Removing suspicious or malignant tissue, diagnosing lung conditions, or treating existing lung diseases, thereby improving lung function and patient health.

Indications

• Abnormal findings in lung tissues such as masses, nodules, or tumors.
• Symptoms may include chronic cough, hemoptysis (coughing up blood), unexplained weight loss, or persistent lung infections.
• Candidates are often diagnosed through imaging studies (e.g., X-rays, CT scans) revealing lung abnormalities.

Preparation

• Pre-procedure Instructions: Patients may be advised to fast for a specific period before the surgery, usually from midnight on the day before the procedure.
• Medications: Instructions include adjustments to current medications, especially blood thinners.
• Diagnostic Tests: Pre-operative assessments including blood tests, imaging studies, and pulmonary function tests.

Procedure Description

1. Incision: A thoracic surgeon makes an incision in the chest wall.
2. Accessing the Lung: The ribs are gently spread to access the lung.
3. Resection: A wedge-shaped portion of the lung containing the mass or nodule is meticulously removed.
4. Closure: The incision and any affected structures are sutured closed.

• Tools Used: Surgical instruments including scalpels, retractors, and suturing tools.
• Anesthesia: General anesthesia is administered to ensure the patient is asleep and pain-free during the procedure.

Duration

The procedure typically takes between 2 to 4 hours, depending on the complexity.

Setting

Performed in a hospital operating room, usually under sterile conditions.

Personnel

• Key Professionals: Thoracic surgeons, anesthesiologists, surgical nurses, and sometimes respiratory therapists.

Risks and Complications

• Common Risks: Pain, infection, bleeding, and reactions to anesthesia.
• Possible Complications: Pneumonia, air leak from the lung, or blood clots. Complications are managed with medications, additional procedures, or supportive care.

Benefits

• Expected Benefits: Removal of abnormal tissue potentially reduces symptoms, prevents the progression of disease, and aids in diagnosis.
• Realization Timeline: Benefits often become evident within a few weeks after surgery as the patient recovers.

Recovery

• Post-procedure Care: Includes pain management, chest physiotherapy, breathing exercises, and medication adherence.
• Recovery Time: Typically, 4 to 6 weeks. Patients may be advised to avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities during this period.
• Follow-up: Regular appointments to monitor healing and lung function.

Alternatives

• Other Options: Non-surgical treatments like chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or minimally invasive procedures like video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS).
• Comparison: While alternatives may be less invasive, they may not be as definitive for removing localized lung abnormalities.

Patient Experience

• During the Procedure: Patients are under general anesthesia and will not experience any sensation.
• After the Procedure: Moderate to severe pain initially managed with medications. Sensation of discomfort from the incision site and potentially difficulty breathing for a short period.

Pain management, including medications and supportive care, are essential in the recovery process to ensure patient comfort.