Our Summary

This letter to the editor is a response to a paper originally published by Budacan and others on May 14, 2020. The original paper discussed ways to improve patient recovery after chest surgery. A survey was carried out across the United Kingdom and Ireland, which identified certain issues. The authors of this letter are providing more detail and expanding on the findings of the original paper. Topics discussed include making improvements in the areas of non-technical skills, managing the operating room, making decisions together with patients, and staffing.

FAQs

  1. What issues were raised in the May 14, 2020, article by Budacan et al. about enhanced recovery after thoracic surgery?
  2. What findings did the authors make about enhanced recovery after thoracic surgery in the United Kingdom and Ireland?
  3. What does ERAS stand for in the context of cardiothoracic surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about thoracic surgery is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully, including proper wound care, pain management, and physical activity recommendations. It is important to communicate any symptoms or concerns to your healthcare team promptly to ensure a smooth recovery process.

Suitable For

Patients who may be recommended for thoracic surgery include those with lung cancer, esophageal cancer, benign lung tumors, empyema, severe infections, pleural effusions, and certain types of chest wall deformities or injuries. Additionally, patients with certain congenital conditions or chronic lung diseases may also benefit from thoracic surgery. It is important for patients to undergo a thorough evaluation by a thoracic surgeon to determine if surgery is the best treatment option for their specific condition.

Timeline

Before thoracic surgery:

  1. Consultation with a thoracic surgeon to discuss treatment options and risks.
  2. Pre-operative assessment and testing to evaluate the patient’s overall health and readiness for surgery.
  3. Education and counseling on the procedure and post-operative care.
  4. Pre-operative optimization of the patient’s health, including smoking cessation, exercise, and nutrition.
  5. Admission to the hospital on the day of surgery.

After thoracic surgery:

  1. Recovery in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) immediately after surgery.
  2. Transfer to a surgical ward for further monitoring and recovery.
  3. Pain management and respiratory therapy to aid in healing and prevent complications.
  4. Physical therapy to regain strength and mobility.
  5. Discharge planning and follow-up care instructions.
  6. Follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor healing and address any concerns.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What specific type of thoracic surgery procedure do I need and why?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with the surgery?
  3. What is the expected recovery time and what can I do to aid in my recovery?
  4. Will I need any special post-operative care or rehabilitation?
  5. Are there any alternative treatment options available for my condition?
  6. How experienced are you in performing this type of surgery?
  7. What are the success rates for this type of surgery in patients with similar conditions?
  8. Will I need any additional tests or consultations before the surgery?
  9. What can I expect in terms of pain management during and after the surgery?
  10. How long will I need to stay in the hospital after the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Hartmann ES, Heinisch PP, Luedi MM, Mihalj M. Journal: J Cardiothorac Surg. 2021 Sep 28;16(1):278. doi: 10.1186/s13019-021-01655-z. PMID: 34583731