ABSTRACT
Thoracic surgery refers to surgery on any structure in the thorax excluding the heart. Surgery aims to treat diseases and anomalies of the neck, oesophagus, trachea, chest wall, diaphragm, mediastinum, pleura, lung and airways. It can be diagnostic, curative, cosmetic or palliative for chronic or acute conditions or diseases. In the United Kingdom (UK) and Ireland 60% of thoracic surgical procedures are carried out for treatment of primary lung cancer (The Society for Cardiothoracic Surgery in Great Britain and Ireland [SCTS], 2011). In the UK, patients with primary lung cancer follow defined pathways for diagnosis and treatment; these pathways include guidance on referral for
thoracic surgery based on clinical evidence (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence [NICE], 2011). The remaining 40% of surgical procedures are for other malignancies or benign conditions (SCTS, 2011). This chapter focusses on surgery for common respiratory conditions (lung cancer, pneumothorax, empyema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD]). Key learning points are illustrated with a case study.
