Lung surgery involves entering the chest wall to get to the lungs. This can be done by a thoracoscopy or a thoracotomy. In a thoracoscopy, the surgeon uses several small incisions. A thin tube containing a camera is put in one incision. The surgeon can look at the lungs using a monitor. In a thoracotomy, larger incisions are made into the chest. This opening lets the surgeon see the lungs directly.
Lung surgery can be done for the following reasons:
Cancer
Masses and nodules - these are lumps of abnormal tissue. They can be benign (cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). When a nodule or mass is found in the lung, a biopsy (tissue sample) is taken of it to determine if it is cancerous or not.
Infections - These can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Examples include tuberculosis and pneumonia.
Diseases including emphysema
Areas of the lung that have collapsed (pneumothorax)
Injuries to the lung
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Lung Surgery
Thoracentesis
Thoracentesis is used to drain abnormal buildup of fluid in the pleural space. Because the pleural space does not normally hold much fluid, extra fluid can make breathing difficult. For the procedure, a needle is put through the skin of the chest into the pleural space. Once inside the space, fluid is drained. The fluid that is removed is tested for cancer, infections, and other problems.
Mediastinoscopy allows the doctor to see inside the mediastinum. Large lymph node samples can be taken.
Video assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) allows the doctor to see inside the chest and take tissue samples (biopsy).
Surgery done through larger incisions to remove bigger portions of the lung.