General Info

Thoracic Surgery

MedicalPark provides advanced thoracic surgery services in Turkey, offering both open and minimally invasive procedures to treat a wide range of chest conditions. Our expert team uses the latest diagnostic and surgical technologies to ensure safe, effective care for patients with lung diseases, pleural disorders, esophageal conditions, and traumatic chest injuries.

What Is Thoracic Surgery?

Thoracic surgery is a medical specialty focused on the surgical treatment of conditions affecting the organs within the thoracic (chest) cavity—excluding the heart. These include the lungs, esophagus, diaphragm, mediastinum, pleura, chest wall, and ribs. While distinct from cardiothoracic surgery, which includes the heart, thoracic surgery shares many techniques and diagnostic methods.

If you're asking, "What is thoracic surgery?"—it refers to complex surgical procedures used to treat both benign and malignant conditions of the chest, often using state-of-the-art tools for precision and minimal trauma.

Types of Thoracic Surgeries We Perform

At MedicalPark, we offer a broad range of thoracic surgery procedures, tailored to each patient’s diagnosis. Here are some of the most common thoracic surgery procedures performed in our hospitals:

• Open and Needle Biopsies: Tissue samples are collected from the lungs, lymph nodes, or pleura for diagnostic purposes.

• Bronchoscopy: A minimally invasive procedure using a lighted scope to examine the airways under anesthesia. It may involve biopsy, removal of obstructions, or treatment using laser or stent placement.

• Esophagoscopy: Diagnostic and therapeutic procedure for esophageal tumors, foreign bodies, and trauma.

• Mediastinoscopy and Mediastinotomy: Techniques used to biopsy lymph nodes for diagnosis and staging of lung cancer or other thoracic diseases.

• Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS): A minimally invasive thoracic surgery approach used to perform various lung and pleura operations via small incisions. This includes:

  • Drainage of intrathoracic fluid

  • Lung and pleura biopsy

  • Resection of metastatic lesions

  • Removal of lung cysts

  • Pleural stripping

• Chest Wall and Rib Surgeries: Including correction of chest wall deformities (e.g., Nuss procedure), treatment of tumors, and repair of trauma-related injuries to the ribs, sternum, or diaphragm.

• Lung Volume Reduction Surgery (LVRS): This surgery helps emphysema patients by removing diseased parts of the lung to enhance breathing capacity and quality of life.

• Lung Cancer Surgery: Involves the resection of affected lung segments for the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer.

• Treatment of Collapsed Lung (Pneumothorax): Surgical repair of alveolar bulla that causes lung deflation and associated lung infections like bronchiectasis, aspergillosis, or tuberculosis.

• Congenital Lung Disorders: Surgical correction of conditions like congenital cysts, bronchiectasis, or air trapping due to childhood respiratory infections.

• Pleural Disease Management: Treatment of conditions such as hydatid cysts, pleuritis, empyema, and pleural tumors.

For more about chest-related conditions, visit our Chest Diseases Department's page.

What Does Thoracic Surgery Treat?

Thoracic surgery is used to treat a variety of serious conditions, including:

• Lung cancer

• Pleural diseases (infections, effusions, tumors)

• Esophageal tumors or injuries

• Chest trauma from accidents or blunt injuries

• Emphysema and COPD

• Congenital lung malformations

• Chronic lung infections like bronchiectasis or tuberculosis

• Hydatid disease and other parasitic infections

• Chest wall deformities and tumors

These procedures aim to eliminate disease, relieve symptoms, and improve respiratory function and overall quality of life.

What Is the Most Common Thoracic Surgery?

Among all procedures, lobectomy—the surgical removal of a lobe of the lung—is one of the most common thoracic surgery procedures, especially for patients with lung cancer. It is often performed using minimally invasive techniques, depending on the tumor size and patient condition.

What Are the Procedure Details for Thoracic Surgery?

Each thoracic surgery is tailored to the patient's condition, but most surgeries involve the following stages:

1. Pre-operative Evaluation: Imaging (CT, MRI, PET scans), blood tests, and pulmonary function tests.

2. Anesthesia: Most procedures are done under general anesthesia.

3. Surgical Approach:

   • Open surgery: A traditional incision is made for access.

   • VATS: Several small incisions are used along with a camera for better visualization and minimal trauma.

4. Post-operative Monitoring: Vital signs, lung function, and wound healing are closely tracked.

Minimally Invasive Thoracic Surgery

MedicalPark specializes in minimally invasive thoracic surgery, including VATS, which allows for smaller incisions, reduced hospital stays, faster recovery, and less post-operative pain. These techniques are particularly useful for:

• Lung biopsies

• Pleural effusions

• Early-stage lung cancer

• Chest trauma

• Cyst removals

Patients often return to normal activity more quickly compared to open surgery.

Advanced Diagnostic Techniques

Accurate diagnosis is essential for successful treatment. Our hospitals are equipped with:

• High-resolution CT and MRI

• PET-CT scanning for cancer staging

• Endoscopic procedures like bronchoscopy and esophagoscopy

• Minimally invasive biopsies for early and precise diagnosis

These technologies guide surgical planning and ensure the best outcomes.

Post-Operative Care After Thoracic Surgery

Post-surgical care is critical in thoracic procedures. Our care plans include:

• Pain management to ensure comfort

• Respiratory therapy to support lung function

• Wound care and monitoring for infection

• Follow-up imaging and consultations

Rehabilitation support helps patients regain strength, mobility, and confidence.

Why Choose MedicalPark for Thoracic Surgery?

MedicalPark is a leading destination for thoracic surgery in Turkey, offering:

• State-of-the-art operating rooms

• Internationally trained thoracic surgeons

• Personalized treatment plans

• High success rates and safety standards

• A full range of support services, including pulmonary rehabilitation and oncology

Whether you're seeking lung surgery in Turkey or treatment for complex chest conditions, our integrated approach ensures optimal care from diagnosis to recovery.

Our Team of Expert Thoracic Surgeons

Our thoracic team includes seasoned professionals with international experience in cardio thoracic surgery and modern chest surgery techniques. They work collaboratively across specialties to deliver holistic care tailored to each patient.

This content was developed by the MedicalPark Editorial Board and is intended for informational purposes only. It does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your healthcare provider for personalized care.