A thoracotomy is a surgical procedure that involves cutting open the chest wall to gain access to the pleural cavity. It is mostly performed by specialist cardiothoracic surgeons, though emergency physicians or paramedics occasionally perform it under life-threatening circumstances.
Facts
FAQs
How long can open lung surgery through a thoracotomy take?
According to the MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Open lung surgery may take from 2 to 6 hours.
Connections
Sources
1. Wikipedia
Wikipedia contributors, Wikimedia Foundation
Thoracotomy (Wikipedia)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thoracotomy, lead sectionQuote, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thoracotomy, lead section
A thoracotomy is a surgical procedure that involves cutting open the chest wall to gain access into the pleural cavity.
Reader Challenges (0)
No disputes yet. Spotted an error or a better source? Open the first one.
Sign in to dispute this or suggest a correction.