If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with a medical condition that affects the lungs, esophagus, or other organs located in the chest, your doctor may recommend that you see a thoracic surgeon. But what exactly is a thoracic surgeon.
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If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with a medical condition that affects the lungs, esophagus, or other organs located in the chest, your doctor may recommend that you see a thoracic surgeon. But what exactly is a thoracic surgeon, and what do they do? In this article, we’ll explore the world of thoracic surgery and provide you with a better understanding of what to expect if you need to see a thoracic surgeon.
Thoracic surgery is a field of medicine that focuses on surgical procedures related to the chest, including the lungs, esophagus, diaphragm, and heart. A thoracic surgeon is a specialized surgeon who has received extensive training in surgical techniques that are used to treat conditions that affect these organs.
To become a thoracic surgeon, an individual must first complete medical school, which takes four years. After completing medical school, the individual must complete a surgical residency, which takes another five to seven years. During this time, the surgeon-in-training will gain experience in various surgical specialties, including thoracic surgery.
After completing their surgical residency, the individual must then complete a fellowship in thoracic surgery, which typically takes one to two years. During this fellowship, the surgeon-in-training will receive specialized training in surgical techniques that are specific to thoracic surgery.
Thoracic surgeons treat a wide range of conditions that affect the chest, including:
Lung cancer is one of the most common conditions that thoracic surgeons treat. In many cases, surgery is the best treatment option for lung cancer, particularly if the cancer is caught early.
Esophageal cancer is another condition that thoracic surgeons often treat. Surgery may be used to remove part or all of the esophagus, depending on the location and severity of the cancer.
A hiatal hernia occurs when part of the stomach protrudes through the diaphragm and into the chest. Thoracic surgeons can perform surgery to repair a hiatal hernia and alleviate symptoms such as heartburn and acid reflux.
A pleural effusion occurs when fluid builds up between the layers of tissue that surround the lungs. Thoracic surgeons can drain the fluid and perform surgery to prevent it from building up again.
A pneumothorax occurs when air builds up in the pleural space, causing the lung to collapse. Thoracic surgeons can perform surgery to repair the lung and prevent the pneumothorax from recurring.
Thoracic surgeons also treat a variety of other conditions that affect the chest, including lung infections, pulmonary embolisms, and tumors that affect the chest wall.
Thoracic surgeons use a variety of surgical techniques to treat conditions that affect the chest. Some of the most common techniques include:
VATS is a minimally invasive surgical technique that is used to diagnose and treat conditions that affect the chest. The surgeon makes small incisions in the chest and uses a tiny camera and surgical instruments to perform the surgery.
Robotic-assisted surgery is a newer surgical technique that uses robotic arms to perform surgery. The surgeon controls the robotic arms from a computer console, allowing for greater precision and control during the surgery.
Open surgery is a traditional surgical technique that involves making a large incision in the chest to access the affected organ. While open surgery is more invasive than minimally invasive techniques like VATS, it may be necessary in some cases.
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52) Dr. Mark S. Allen - Tulane University Medical Center, 1430 Tulane Ave, New Orleans, LA 70112
53) Dr. Mark A. Krasna - Tulane University Medical Center, 1430 Tulane Ave, New Orleans, LA 70112
54) Dr. Stephen A. Jones - Tulane University Medical Center, 1430 Tulane Ave, New Orleans, LA 70112
55) Dr. Edward L. Phillips - Tulane University Medical Center, 1430 Tulane Ave, New Orleans, LA 70112
56) Dr. John R. Goldblum - Tulane University Medical Center, 1430 Tulane Ave, New Orleans, LA 70112
57) Dr. Michael J. Sos - Tulane University Medical Center, 1430 Tulane Ave, New Orleans, LA 70112
58) Dr. Charles H. Jones - Tulane University Medical Center, 1430 Tulane Ave, New Orleans, LA 70112
59) Dr. David M. Sugarbaker - Tulane University Medical Center, 1430 Tulane Ave, New Orleans, LA 70112
60) Dr. David C. Rice Jr. - Tulane University Medical Center, 1430 Tulane Ave, New Orleans, LA 70112
61) Dr. Gary M. Ansel - Tulane University Medical Center, 1430 Tulane Ave, New Orleans, LA 70112
62) Dr. Mark D. Midei - Tulane University Medical Center, 1430 Tulane Ave, New Orleans, LA 70112
63) Dr. Eugene B. Kern - Tulane University Medical Center, 1430 Tulane Ave, New Orleans, LA 70112
64) Dr. Robert J. McKenna Jr. - Tulane University Medical Center, 1430 Tulane Ave, New Orleans, LA 70112
65) Dr. Richard L. Prayson - Tulane University Medical Center, 1430 Tulane Ave, New Orleans, LA 70112
66) Dr. John E. Heffner - Tulane University Medical Center, 1430 Tulane Ave, New Orleans, LA 70112
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69) Dr. Douglas E. Wood - Tulane University Medical Center, 1430 Tulane Ave, New Orleans, LA 70112
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72) Dr. Robert A. Sade - Tulane University Medical Center, 1430 Tulane Ave, New Orleans, LA 70112
73) Dr. Robert L. Karp - Tulane University Medical Center, 1430 Tulane Ave, New Orleans, LA 70112
74) Dr. Robert S. McKenna III - Tulane University Medical Center, 1430 Tulane Ave, New Orleans, LA 70112
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76) Dr. James O. Davis - Tulane University Medical Center, 1430 Tulane Ave, New Orleans, LA 70112
77) Dr. Brian J. O'Shaughnessy - Tulane University Medical Center, 1430 Tulane Ave, New Orleans, LA 70112
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80) Dr. Kenneth L. Mattox - Tulane University Medical Center, 1430 Tulane Ave, New Orleans, LA 70112
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83) Dr. Peter C. Pairolero - Tulane University Medical Center, 1430 Tulane Ave, New Orleans, LA 70112
84) Dr. William N. Thomas - Tulane University Medical Center, 1430 Tulane Ave, New Orleans, LA 70112
85) Dr. David A. Jones Jr. - Tulane University Medical Center, 1430 Tulane Ave, New Orleans, LA 70112
86) Dr. Michael F. O'Keefe - Tulane University Medical Center, 1430 Tulane Ave, New Orleans, LA 70112
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