Current Management Guidelines In Thoracic Surgery: An Issue Of Thoracic Surgery

Thoracic surgery is a surgical specialty that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the chest, including the lungs, pleura, mediastinum, and esophagus. Thoracic surgeons are trained in a wide range of surgical techniques, including open, minimally invasive, and robotic surgery.

In recent years, there have been significant advances in the management of thoracic diseases. These advances have led to improved outcomes for patients with thoracic diseases, including increased survival rates and reduced complications.

The current management guidelines in thoracic surgery are based on the latest evidence-based research. These guidelines provide recommendations for the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of patients with thoracic diseases.

Current Management Guidelines in Thoracic Surgery, An Issue of Thoracic Surgery Clinics (The Clinics: Surgery Book 22)

by Joe Wysong

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Diagnosis of Thoracic Diseases

The diagnosis of thoracic diseases typically begins with a thorough history and physical examination. The surgeon will ask about the patient's symptoms, such as cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, and fatigue. The surgeon will also ask about the patient's past medical history, including any previous thoracic surgeries.

The surgeon may order a variety of tests to help diagnose a thoracic disease. These tests may include:

• Chest X-ray
• Computed tomography (CT) scan
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan
• Positron emission tomography (PET) scan
• Bronchoscopy
• Mediastinoscopy

Treatment of Thoracic Diseases

The treatment of thoracic diseases depends on the type of disease, the stage of the disease, and the patient's overall health. Treatment options may include:

• Surgery
• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy
• Targeted therapy
• Immunotherapy

Surgery

Surgery is the most common treatment for thoracic diseases. Thoracic surgeons are trained in a wide range of surgical techniques, including open, minimally invasive, and robotic surgery.

Open surgery involves making a large incision in the chest to access the lungs, pleura, mediastinum, or esophagus. Minimally invasive surgery involves making several small incisions in the chest and using a camera to guide the surgery. Robotic surgery involves using a robotic arm to perform the surgery.

The type of surgery that is performed depends on the type of disease, the stage of the disease, and the patient's overall health.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is a type of drug therapy that uses drugs to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy is often used to treat lung cancer, mesothelioma, and other thoracic cancers.

Chemotherapy drugs can be given orally, intravenously, or through a port that is placed in the chest. The side effects of chemotherapy can include nausea, vomiting, hair loss, and fatigue.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams of radiation to kill cancer cells. Radiation therapy is often used to treat lung cancer, esophageal cancer, and other thoracic cancers.

Radiation therapy can be given externally, using a machine that delivers the radiation to the chest, or internally, using radioactive implants that are placed in the chest. The side effects of radiation therapy can include skin irritation, fatigue, and nausea.

Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapy is a type of drug therapy that uses drugs to target specific molecules that are involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells. Targeted therapy is often used to treat lung cancer, mesothelioma, and other thoracic cancers.

Targeted therapy drugs can be given orally or intravenously. The side effects of targeted therapy can vary depending on the specific drug that is used.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a type of drug therapy that uses the body's own immune system to fight cancer cells. Immunotherapy is often used to treat lung cancer, mesothelioma, and other thoracic cancers.

Immunotherapy drugs can be given orally or intravenously. The side effects of immunotherapy can vary depending on the specific drug that is used.

Follow-Up Care

After treatment for a thoracic disease, patients will need to follow up with their surgeon regularly to monitor their progress and check for any signs of recurrence. Follow-up care may include:

• Physical examinations
• Chest X-rays
• CT scans
• MRI scans
• PET scans
• Bronchoscopies
• Mediastinoscopies

Prognosis

The prognosis for patients with thoracic diseases depends on the type of disease, the stage of the disease, and the patient's overall health. With early diagnosis and treatment, many patients with thoracic diseases can live long and healthy lives.

The current management guidelines in thoracic surgery are based on the latest evidence-based research. These guidelines provide recommendations for the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of patients with thoracic diseases. By following these guidelines, thoracic surgeons can help improve the outcomes for patients with thoracic diseases.

References

1. Detterbeck FC, Groth SS, Huang J, et al. Current management of thoracic malignancies: an evidence-based approach. J Thorac Dis 2012;4:331-402.
2. Ferguson TB, Detterbeck FC, Groth SS, et al. The management of thoracic malignancies: a multidisciplinary approach. Chest 2013;143:734-45.
3. McKenna RJ Jr, Musani AI, Bunn PA Jr, et al. Non-small cell lung cancer: stage-specific management and clinical trials. J Thorac Dis 2013;5:418-37.
4. National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN). NCCN clinical practice guidelines in oncology: thoracic malignancies. NCCN website. https://www.nccn.org/professionals/physician_gls/pdf/thoracic.pdf. Accessed March 28, 2023.

Current Management Guidelines in Thoracic Surgery, An Issue of Thoracic Surgery Clinics (The Clinics: Surgery Book 22)

by Joe Wysong

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1685 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	312 pages

FREE