A thoracotomy is a procedure that lets a surgeon see into the thoracic cavity to diagnose an illness or to treat one. The surgeon can see your lungs, heart, aorta, esophagus and possibly your spine.

A thoracotomy is a surgical procedure that involves cutting open the chest wall to gain access into the pleural cavity. [1] It is mostly performed by specialist cardiothoracic surgeons, although emergency …

Jul 5, 2017 · A thoracotomy is surgery to open your chest. During this procedure, a surgeon makes an incision in the chest wall between your ribs, usually to operate on your lungs. Through this incision, …

Nov 3, 2023 · A thoracotomy is when a surgeon goes between your ribs to get to your heart, lungs, or esophagus to diagnose or treat an illness.

A thoracotomy (say "thor-uh-KAW-tuh-mee") is a cut (incision) that the doctor makes in the chest wall through your front, side, or back. A thoracotomy may be used to do surgery on the lungs, esophagus, …

Thoracotomy is the process of making of an incision (cut) into the chest wall. A physician gains access to the chest cavity (called the thorax) by cutting through the chest wall. Reasons for the entry are varied.

Jul 20, 2023 · A thoracotomy is an incision in the chest and is normally carried out so the doctor can operate on the heart, lungs, or other structures in the chest. This is a way to treat lung cancer.

For the typical lung procedure, the thoracotomy is made in the fourth or fifth intercostal space, which allows entry into the pleural space directly over the pulmonary hilum.

Jan 6, 2026 · What do I need to know about a thoracotomy? A thoracotomy is surgery to repair damage to the blood vessels and organs inside your chest. These organs include your esophagus, heart, …

Thoracotomy - Etiology, pathophysiology, symptoms, signs, diagnosis & prognosis from the Merck Manuals - Medical Professional Version.