The chest is the part of the body that is between neck and abdomen. It includes the ribs and breastbone and organs like the heart, lungs, and esophagus.
Various chest disorders that can be managed laparoscopically
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Lung cancer
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Pleural effusion
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Pneumothorax
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Esophageal cancer
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Mediastinal tumors
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Mediastinal tumors
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Barrett's esophagus
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Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
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Hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating
Symptoms of Chest Disorders
The symptoms depend upon the disorder and organ involved.
Diagnosis of Chest Disorders
Apart from physical examination, following diagnostic tests can be performed to evaluate the chest disorder (individual tests are also performed according to the disorder):
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Chest X-ray
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Bronchoscopy
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Chest CT Scan
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Chest MRI
Laparoscopic surgery for Chest Disorders
Video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) is performed in various chest disorders.
The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia. A long, thin tube called a thoracoscope is inserted through a small incision, or port. It has a miniature camera allows the surgeon to view and examine the chest cavity. Other surgical instruments are inserted through one or two more ports. These enable the surgeon to remove tissue or perform more extensive operations, such as lung resection for cancer. In cancer cases, an extra incision measuring about 5 centimetres is made for the removal of the lung tissue. After the completion of procedure, incisions are closed with sutures or staples, or covered with glue-like bandage.
Advantages of Laparoscopic surgery for Chest Disorders
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Faster recovery
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Only few hours or overnight hospitalization
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Sooner return to work
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Very less pain during and after the procedure
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Smaller incisions without any cut on abdominal muscles
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Negligible risks and complications
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Less chances of wound infection
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High success rate with more than ninety-percent of symptom free patients after ten years of the procedure
