Thoracic surgeons are specialists who perform surgical procedures on organs and structures located within the chest cavity. These surgeons can perform many operations using both open surgery and minimally invasive (closed) techniques. Here are some commonly performed surgeries:

• Removal of a lobe of the lung or the entire lung due to lung cancer (lobectomy, pneumonectomy)
• Surgical intervention for lung cysts and abscesses
• Drainage of pleural effusion and empyema
• Removal of chest wall tumors
• Excision of mediastinal masses
• Airway surgeries (procedures involving the trachea or bronchi)
• Esophageal surgery
• Emergency surgical interventions in chest trauma
• Thoracoscopic (VATS) surgeries
• Correction of capillary vessel anomalies or congenital deformities

These surgeries may vary depending on the type of disease and the patient’s general condition.

Thoracic surgery operations carry a higher risk of complications for people of advanced age, smokers, and those with heart disease or lung diseases such as COPD, and therefore require special evaluation.

The recovery period varies depending on the surgery performed. It may take 1–2 weeks for minimally invasive procedures, while full recovery may take several months in major surgeries.

Thoracic surgery during pregnancy is performed only when absolutely necessary. The timing of the operation and the anesthesia method are planned carefully for the health of both the mother and the baby.

Robotic surgery offers advantages such as smaller incisions, less pain, shorter hospital stay, and faster recovery. It is especially preferred in early-stage tumors.

There may be a temporary decrease in lung capacity after surgery. This improves to a great extent with breathing exercises, physiotherapy, and quitting smoking.

After a successful operation, patients’ quality of life generally improves. Easier breathing, pain control, and the resolution of aesthetic concerns all contribute to this.

Lobectomy (removal of a part of the lung), wedge resection, mediastinoscopy, and VATS (closed lung surgery) are among the most frequently performed procedures.

While open surgeries may leave more noticeable scars, scars are minimal in minimally invasive methods and robotic surgery. Aesthetic suturing and wound care help reduce the appearance of scars.

Especially after oncological surgeries, patients may develop anxiety, depression, and fear. Psychological support is important for the patient’s mental well-being and treatment compliance.