Thoracic Surgery FAQs

When should I see a thoracic surgeon?
If your primary doctor feels that you could benefit from an operation to treat a condition involving the heart, lungs, esophagus, mediastinumor chest wall.

Are there different kinds of thoracic surgeons?

• A cardiac or cardiovascular surgeon will focus on the heart and great vessels.
• Thoracic surgeons treat diseases of the lungs, esophagus, chest wall, and mediastinum.
• Congenital heart surgeons operate on infants and children with heart disease.

 
What should I expect after thoracic surgery?

• Fatigue from surgery that should improve over time.
• Your diet should be resumed as it was before surgery - to heal properly, you need adequate nutrition.
• Depending on the severity of your surgery there will most likelybe some post-surgerypain and discomfort. This will be controlledwith a pain reliever as well as anti-inflammatory medicine.
• Showering after surgery is okay but you should not bathe or go into a body of water for at least 2 weeks.