Thoracic and cardiovascular surgery refers to the surgical
treatment of diseases that affect organs inside the thorax or chest cavity.
The field covers all diseases affecting the lungs and the heart. Thoracic
surgery generally refers to surgery of the chest other than the heart.
In relation to the heart, thoracic and cardiovascular surgery
includes coronary artery bypass surgery; valve replacement; surgical
procedures for congenital heart disease; ventricular assist device; and heart
transplantation. With regard to the lungs and associated disorders, treatment
procedures include mediastinoscopy, video assisted thoracoscopy (VATS),
lobectomy for lung cancer, bullectomy and lung transplantation.
Thoracic and cardiovascular surgery is a life saving
procedure for many people who have diseases of the heart and lungs. Depending
upon the kind of surgery, the anesthesia given, and your individual needs, the
time you might have to spend in the hospital varies. In case your surgery is
carried out in an outpatient surgery center, you might be discharged within
one to three hours after the surgery. You might have to spend some time being
monitored in the recovery room. After that you go to a holding room (if in an
outpatient surgery center) or to a patient room in a hospital.
The nurses will discuss post-operative home care instructions
with you and also explain to you diet restrictions, rest needed and
medications. You will also be given guidance regarding follow-ups with your
doctor.
Post operative care is important after thoracic and
cardiovascular surgery. When you follow up with your doctor, he or she will
discuss additional post-operative instructions such as rehabilitation, when
you can drive or return to work or school, how long you should take pain
medications and more.
