Our Summary

This paper discusses the Society of Thoracic Surgeons General Thoracic Surgery Database (STS GTSD), which is the biggest and most comprehensive global database for chest surgery. The database, which has records from 274 sites and over 781,000 surgical procedures since 2002, helps hospitals compare their performance and improve their quality of care. Every year, some of the participating sites are randomly checked for the accuracy and completeness of their data.

In the last 18 months, the team responsible for this database has been working on making the data collection process better. They introduced a new data collection form in July 2021 to maintain high quality of data while also reducing the hassle of entering data.

In addition, the STS has a strong research program based on this database, which resulted in eight academic publications in 2021. This report gives an update on the amount of data, results, and new initiatives related to the database, as well as a summary of the research that has been done using the database in the past year.

FAQs

  1. What is the Society of Thoracic Surgeons General Thoracic Surgery Database (STS GTSD)?
  2. How does the STS GTSD ensure the accuracy and completeness of the data collected?
  3. What are some of the research outcomes that have resulted from the use of the GTSD in the past year?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip that a doctor might tell a patient about thoracic surgery is to follow all pre-operative instructions provided by your surgeon, including fasting guidelines and medication instructions. It is important to communicate any concerns or questions you may have with your healthcare team to ensure the best possible outcome for your surgery. Additionally, following post-operative care instructions, such as wound care and physical activity restrictions, can help promote a smooth recovery process.

Suitable For

Patients who may be recommended for thoracic surgery include those with conditions such as lung cancer, esophageal cancer, mediastinal tumors, pleural diseases, chest wall deformities, and diseases of the diaphragm. Thoracic surgery may also be recommended for patients with conditions such as emphysema, hyperhidrosis, and thoracic outlet syndrome. The decision to recommend thoracic surgery is typically made by a multidisciplinary team of healthcare providers, including thoracic surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pulmonologists, and other specialists, based on the patient’s specific diagnosis, overall health status, and treatment goals.

Timeline

Before thoracic surgery:

  1. Initial consultation with a thoracic surgeon to discuss the need for surgery and the potential risks and benefits.
  2. Pre-operative testing and evaluations, such as blood tests, imaging studies, and pulmonary function tests.
  3. Discussion with anesthesia team to assess anesthesia risks and plan for anesthesia during surgery.
  4. Pre-operative education on what to expect before, during, and after surgery, including instructions on how to prepare for surgery.
  5. Admittance to the hospital on the day of surgery and preparation for the procedure.

After thoracic surgery:

  1. Recovery in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) immediately after surgery, where vital signs are monitored closely.
  2. Transfer to a hospital room for further recovery, where pain management and respiratory therapy may be provided.
  3. Gradual increase in physical activity and mobility under the guidance of healthcare providers.
  4. Monitoring for potential complications, such as infection, bleeding, or respiratory issues.
  5. Discharge from the hospital once stable, with instructions on post-operative care, medications, and follow-up appointments.
  6. Follow-up visits with the thoracic surgeon to monitor healing progress and address any concerns or complications.

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 procedure?
  3. How experienced are you in performing this type of surgery?
  4. What is the success rate for this procedure in patients with similar conditions?
  5. What is the expected recovery time and post-operative care plan?
  6. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider?
  7. Will I need any additional tests or consultations before the surgery?
  8. What can I do to prepare for the surgery and optimize my outcome?
  9. What can I expect in terms of pain management and rehabilitation after the surgery?
  10. How will my progress be monitored and when will I need follow-up appointments?

Reference

Authors: Servais EL, Blasberg JD, Brown LM, Towe CW, Seder CW, Onaitis MW, Block MI, David EA. Journal: Ann Thorac Surg. 2023 Jan;115(1):43-49. doi: 10.1016/j.athoracsur.2022.10.025. Epub 2022 Oct 29. PMID: 36404445