Our Summary

The Rush Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, which got its authorization to train surgeons in chest surgeries from the American Board of Thoracic Surgery in 1962, has been known for its excellence in complex heart, blood vessel, and chest surgeries. The department is also recognized for its dedication to patient care and remarkable surgical outcomes. It has been committed to educating resident surgeons till today.

The department is known for its development of the sternotomy incision (a surgical method where a cut is made in the breastbone), repairing thoracic and abdominal aneurysms (enlarged blood vessels), carotid endarterectomy (surgery to prevent stroke), and valve replacements. It has also been innovative in performing bronchoplastic lung resection (surgery to remove a lung part), aggressively treating chest cancers, and performing segmental resection for lung cancer (removing a part of the lung).

In total, the Rush Thoracic Surgery program has trained 131 thoracic residents, many of whom also received their vascular certificate. Despite rigorous and challenging training, these trainees have taken forward the department’s commitment to surgical excellence and patient care across the country, both in practice and academic centers.

FAQs

  1. What type of surgeries is the Rush Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery known for performing?
  2. What is the significance of the sternotomy incision developed by the Rush Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery?
  3. How many thoracic residents has the Rush Thoracic Surgery program trained and what have they gone on to do?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about thoracic surgery is to follow all pre-operative instructions carefully, including fasting guidelines and medication instructions. It is also important to discuss any concerns or questions with your surgeon before the procedure to ensure you have a clear understanding of what to expect during and after the surgery. Additionally, it is essential to follow all post-operative care instructions to promote a smooth recovery and optimal healing.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for thoracic surgery include those with:

  • Lung cancer
  • Esophageal cancer
  • Mediastinal tumors
  • Chest wall tumors
  • Mesothelioma
  • Thoracic outlet syndrome
  • Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating)
  • Pectus excavatum (sunken chest)
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
  • Achalasia (esophageal motility disorder)
  • Hiatal hernia
  • Tracheal stenosis
  • Lung infections or abscesses
  • Pneumothorax (collapsed lung)
  • Pleural effusion
  • Severe emphysema
  • Severe asthma
  • Bronchiectasis
  • Pulmonary hypertension

It is important for patients to consult with a thoracic surgeon to determine if surgery is the best treatment option for their specific condition.

Timeline

Before thoracic surgery:

  1. Patient meets with a thoracic surgeon to discuss the need for surgery and go over the risks and benefits.
  2. Patient undergoes pre-operative testing, such as blood work, imaging scans, and pulmonary function tests.
  3. Patient is instructed on pre-operative preparation, including fasting and medication instructions.
  4. On the day of surgery, the patient is admitted to the hospital and prepared for the procedure.

After thoracic surgery:

  1. Patient wakes up in the recovery room and is closely monitored by medical staff for any complications.
  2. Patient may experience pain and discomfort, which is managed with pain medication.
  3. Patient begins physical therapy and breathing exercises to aid in recovery and prevent complications.
  4. Patient is discharged from the hospital once deemed stable and able to care for themselves at home.
  5. Patient follows up with their thoracic surgeon for post-operative appointments and further monitoring of their recovery.
  6. Patient gradually resumes normal activities and may require ongoing rehabilitation or therapy to fully recover from surgery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What specific type of thoracic surgery do I need and why?

  2. What are the risks and benefits associated with this type of surgery?

  3. What is the success rate for this type of surgery at your institution?

  4. How experienced are you in performing this type of surgery?

  5. What is the expected recovery time and what can I expect during the recovery process?

  6. Will I need any additional treatments or therapies after the surgery?

  7. Are there any alternative treatment options available for my condition?

  8. What can I do to prepare for surgery and optimize my outcome?

  9. What should I expect in terms of pain management after the surgery?

  10. Are there any long-term effects or complications I should be aware of following the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Faber LP, Liptay MJ, Seder CW. Journal: Semin Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2016 Autumn;28(3):687-699. doi: 10.1053/j.semtcvs.2016.10.007. Epub 2016 Nov 1. PMID: 28285675