Table of Contents
What is a thoracotomy with decortication?
Decortication is a type of surgical procedure performed to remove a fibrous tissue that has abnormally formed on the surface of the lung, chest wall or diaphragm.
How is a decortication performed?
This is an open surgical procedure. The surgeon makes an incision (surgical cut) of around four inches over the chest. This technique allows the surgeon to directly view and analyze the surgical area and extent of the disease. The thick peel covering the lungs is exposed and removed.
What is the definition of decortication?
Definition of decortication 1 : the act or process of removing the outer coverings (such as bark or husks) from something (such as fiber or seed) 2 : the surgical removal of the outer layer or covering of an organ or structure (such as the brain or a kidney)
How serious is a thoracotomy?
Immediate risks from the surgery include infection, bleeding, persistent air leakage from your lung and pain. Pain is the most commonly encountered complication of this procedure, and pain along the ribs and site of incision will most likely subside over days to weeks.
How do you sleep after thoracotomy?
You can sleep in any position that is comfortable. Some patients need to sleep sitting in an upright position at first. It may be painful to sleep on your side, but it will not hurt your heart or incisions.
Can a thoracotomy be done with a decortication?
Thoracotomy with Decortication Sometimes, when the condition needs it, thoracotomy with decortications as a surgical procedure may also be done. These are two different procedures that are joined together in one surgery to address a specific problem in the lung area.
What is a mini thoracotomy?
Mini-Thoracotomy. The right lateral mini-thoracotomy technique has evolved into a routine practice in specialized centres for minimally invasive heart surgery. A 3 to 4 inch incision is made between the ribs and does not require any bone to be cut. A soft tissue retractor is used to minimize rib spreading.
Why is thoracotomy done?
This is done for the physicians to have complete access to the essential organs most especially the lungs. Thoracotomy is greatly related to the procedure known a decortication. Decortication is known to be the surgical removal of a part of the layer that serves to protect the lungs or what is known as the pleural membrane.
Is mini-thoracotomy the best approach to decrease length of stay?
This suggests that mini-thoracotomy is the best approach to decrease lengths of stay, presumably by allowing patients to recover faster due to less invasive surgical technique. Length of stay in this study is an aggregate number for preoperative and postoperative length of stay.