Our Summary

This research paper discusses the issue of respiratory and upper digestive tract diseases, which are particularly prevalent in low- and middle-income countries. Five billion people do not have access to safe and affordable surgical care, including chest surgery. A type of chest surgery, called minimally invasive thoracic surgery (MITS), has been found to lead to fewer complications, shorter hospital stays, and lower healthcare costs. This means patients have to spend less money and time away from work and family. While there are some experiences with this type of surgery in low- and middle-income countries, they are limited. The paper suggests that professional groups, schools, policymakers, and industry could help make this type of surgery more widely available by providing more funding, training more surgeons, and improving the supply of surgical equipment.

FAQs

  1. What is minimally invasive thoracic surgery (MITS) and how does it benefit patients?
  2. Why is access to thoracic surgical care limited in low- and middle-income countries?
  3. What measures can professional societies, academic institutions, policymakers, and industry take to facilitate the scale-up of MITS in low- and middle-income countries?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about thoracic surgery is to follow all pre-operative instructions given by the medical team, such as fasting before the surgery and stopping certain medications. It is also important to inform the medical team of any allergies or medical conditions you have. After surgery, follow the post-operative care instructions closely, including taking medications as prescribed, attending follow-up appointments, and avoiding strenuous activities until cleared by your surgeon. It is important to communicate any concerns or changes in symptoms to your medical team promptly.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for thoracic surgery include those with lung cancer, esophageal cancer, chest trauma, empyema, mediastinal tumors, and other thoracic diseases. Minimally invasive thoracic surgery (MITS) is especially beneficial for these patients as it has been shown to reduce complications, shorten hospital lengths of stay, and minimize healthcare costs. However, access to thoracic surgical care is limited in low- and middle-income countries, highlighting the need for increased financing, expanded surgical training, and optimized surgical supply chains to facilitate the scale-up of MITS in these regions.

Timeline

Before thoracic surgery, a patient will typically undergo a series of tests and consultations to determine the need for surgery and the best approach. This may include imaging tests such as CT scans or MRIs, pulmonary function tests, and blood work. The patient will also meet with the surgical team to discuss the procedure, risks, and recovery process.

After thoracic surgery, the patient will be closely monitored in the hospital for a period of time, typically a few days to a week, depending on the complexity of the surgery and the patient’s overall health. Pain management, breathing exercises, and physical therapy may be part of the recovery process. The patient will have follow-up appointments with the surgical team to monitor progress and address any concerns. Over time, the patient should experience improved lung function, reduced symptoms, and a better quality of life.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with thoracic surgery?
  2. How long is the recovery process after thoracic surgery?
  3. Are there any alternative treatment options to thoracic surgery that I should consider?
  4. What is the success rate of thoracic surgery for my specific condition?
  5. How many thoracic surgeries have you performed and what is your experience with minimally invasive techniques?
  6. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery?
  7. Will I need to stay in the hospital after the surgery? If so, for how long?
  8. Will I need to follow a specific post-operative care plan or rehabilitation program?
  9. What long-term effects or lifestyle changes should I expect after thoracic surgery?
  10. Are there any specific dietary or activity restrictions I should follow before or after the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Lin Y, Vervoort D, Thapa B, Sapkota R, Mitchell JD. Journal: Thorac Surg Clin. 2022 Aug;32(3):405-412. doi: 10.1016/j.thorsurg.2022.04.003. PMID: 35961748