Our Summary

The diagnosis and surgical treatment of lung and chest cancers can be complex and varies across the different provinces of Canada, leading to differences in patient outcomes. A recent set of standards for the care of these patients was published by the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer (CPAC). The researchers conducted a study to see how well these standards were being implemented and to understand what influenced their use.

The study was done in two parts: one was a survey of chest surgeons across the country to see how well they thought the standards were being used in their hospitals and provinces. The second part was a discussion group with a sample of these surgeons to understand what helped or hindered the use of the standards.

The results showed that the areas where the standards were not being used as much as they should be were: quality checks, data gathering and feedback for doctors; ongoing planning and workload assessments for chest surgeons; and getting pathology reports back within two weeks and using a standard report format. The discussion group helped identify what helped or hindered the use of the standards.

The study showed that there is variation in how well the standards for chest cancer surgery are being used across Canada and what influences their use. The researchers suggest that future work should focus on promoting the use of these standards and making sure resources are used effectively to improve patient outcomes.

FAQs

  1. What is the purpose of the standards published by the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer (CPAC)?
  2. What were the two parts of the study conducted by the researchers?
  3. What are some areas identified in the study where the standards for chest cancer surgery are not being fully utilized?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about thoracic surgery is to make sure to follow all pre-operative instructions provided by your healthcare team. This may include avoiding certain medications, fasting before surgery, and quitting smoking if applicable. Following these instructions can help reduce the risk of complications during and after surgery, and improve your overall outcome. It is important to communicate openly with your healthcare team and ask any questions you may have about the procedure and recovery process.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended thoracic surgery include those with lung cancer, chest cancer, esophageal cancer, mediastinal tumors, pleural diseases, and other conditions affecting the chest cavity. Patients may undergo thoracic surgery for diagnostic purposes, to remove tumors or lesions, to treat infections or injuries, or to improve lung function. The decision to recommend thoracic surgery is based on factors such as the type and stage of the disease, the patient’s overall health and medical history, and their ability to tolerate surgery and recover successfully. Thoracic surgeons work closely with other specialists, such as oncologists and pulmonologists, to develop a comprehensive treatment plan for each patient.

Timeline

Before thoracic surgery, a patient typically goes through a series of steps including:

  1. Diagnosis: The patient may undergo various tests such as imaging scans, biopsies, and blood tests to determine the presence and extent of the lung or chest cancer.

  2. Pre-operative consultations: The patient meets with their healthcare team, including the surgeon, anesthesiologist, and other specialists to discuss the surgery, risks, and recovery process.

  3. Pre-operative preparations: The patient may need to undergo additional tests, stop certain medications, and make necessary lifestyle changes before the surgery.

  4. Surgery: The thoracic surgery is performed to remove the cancerous tumor or affected tissue from the lung or chest cavity.

After thoracic surgery, the patient experiences:

  1. Recovery in the hospital: The patient will be monitored closely in the hospital for any complications and will receive pain management and support from the medical team.

  2. Post-operative care: The patient will be given instructions on wound care, breathing exercises, and physical therapy to aid in recovery.

  3. Follow-up appointments: The patient will have regular follow-up appointments with their healthcare team to monitor their recovery, address any concerns, and discuss further treatment if needed.

  4. Rehabilitation: Some patients may require rehabilitation to regain strength and function after thoracic surgery, including physical therapy and pulmonary rehabilitation.

  5. Long-term follow-up: The patient will continue to have regular follow-up appointments to monitor for any signs of recurrence and to address any long-term effects of the surgery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about thoracic surgery include:

  1. What type of thoracic surgery do I need and why?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications of the surgery?
  3. What is the expected outcome of the surgery?
  4. How long is the recovery time and what can I expect during the recovery process?
  5. Will I need any additional treatments or therapies after the surgery?
  6. What is the experience and success rate of the surgical team performing the procedure?
  7. Are there any alternative treatments or less invasive options available?
  8. How will my pain be managed during and after the surgery?
  9. How often will I need follow-up appointments and monitoring after the surgery?
  10. What lifestyle changes or precautions should I take post-surgery to ensure optimal recovery and long-term health?

Reference

Authors: Arnaout A, Prashad A, Dunk N, Rogers J, Edwards A, Argent-Katwala M, Finley C. Journal: Curr Oncol. 2021 Jan 13;28(1):405-416. doi: 10.3390/curroncol28010043. PMID: 33450804