Our Summary

This research paper discusses the changes in thoracic surgery training over the past decade. Thoracic surgery is the field of medicine involved in surgical treatment of diseases affecting organs inside the chest - the heart and lungs.

Training in this area has greatly evolved due to factors such as the introduction of integrated programs, advancements in technology, and regulations limiting the hours that residents can work, which reduces the time they have to learn.

Because of these changes, it’s become even more crucial to assess the skills of these trainees properly. Medical education has been increasingly focusing on competency, or the ability to do something successfully or efficiently. This has led to the development of new, competency-based tools for evaluating both clinical and surgical skills.

These new tools use simulation and modern technology to offer more frequent and thorough evaluations of surgical trainees to ensure they are competent. The goal is to ensure that trainees are fully capable of performing their duties when they become full-fledged surgeons.

FAQs

  1. How has training in thoracic surgery evolved over the past decade?
  2. What role does technology play in the assessment of thoracic surgical trainees?
  3. What are some of the novel competency-based assessment tools used in thoracic surgical training?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about thoracic surgery is to follow all pre-operative instructions provided by your healthcare team, such as fasting before surgery and avoiding certain medications. It is important to communicate any concerns or questions you may have with your healthcare team to ensure a successful surgery and recovery. Additionally, following post-operative care instructions, such as taking prescribed medications and attending follow-up appointments, is crucial for a smooth recovery process.

Suitable For

Patients who may be recommended for thoracic surgery include those with lung cancer, esophageal cancer, mediastinal tumors, pleural effusions, lung infections, and chest wall deformities. Additionally, patients with benign conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease, hiatal hernias, and hyperhidrosis may also benefit from thoracic surgery. Patients who have not responded to other treatments or who have advanced disease may be candidates for thoracic surgery. It is important for patients to be evaluated by a multidisciplinary team to determine the best treatment plan for their specific condition.

Timeline

Before thoracic surgery:

  1. Consultation: The patient meets with a thoracic surgeon to discuss their medical history, symptoms, and treatment options for their condition.
  2. Preoperative evaluation: The patient undergoes various tests and evaluations to assess their overall health and suitability for surgery.
  3. Informed consent: The patient receives detailed information about the risks, benefits, and alternatives of the surgery and provides their consent to proceed.
  4. Preoperative preparation: The patient may need to stop certain medications, follow a specific diet, and make other preparations in the days leading up to the surgery.

After thoracic surgery:

  1. Postoperative care: The patient is closely monitored in the recovery room for any immediate complications and then transferred to a hospital room for further care.
  2. Pain management: The patient receives pain medication to help manage discomfort from the surgery.
  3. Physical therapy: The patient may undergo physical therapy to help regain strength and mobility after surgery.
  4. Follow-up appointments: The patient will have regular follow-up appointments with their surgeon to monitor their progress and address any concerns.
  5. Rehabilitation: Depending on the type of surgery, the patient may need ongoing rehabilitation to fully recover and regain function.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What specific type of thoracic surgery procedure do you recommend for my condition?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with this surgery?
  3. How long is the recovery period after thoracic surgery?
  4. Will I need any additional tests or procedures before the surgery?
  5. How experienced are you in performing this type of thoracic surgery?
  6. What is the success rate for this type of surgery in patients with similar conditions to mine?
  7. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery?
  8. Will I need to stay in the hospital after the surgery, and if so, for how long?
  9. What kind of post-operative care and follow-up appointments will be necessary?
  10. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider before deciding on thoracic surgery?

Reference

Authors: Holmstrom AL, Meyerson SL. Journal: Thorac Surg Clin. 2019 Aug;29(3):239-247. doi: 10.1016/j.thorsurg.2019.03.002. Epub 2019 May 17. PMID: 31235292