Thoracic surgery deals with the diagnosis and surgical treatment of diseases that affect the chest, lungs, esophagus, diaphragm, and mediastinum. Although many chest diseases can be treated conservatively, there are cases where surgery is necessary to restore the patient's health.

1. Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is one of the most serious chest diseases and often requires surgical treatment. Depending on the stage of the disease and the type of cancer, the main surgical procedures include:

• Lobectomy: Removal of a lobe of the lung.
• Pneumonectomy: Removal of an entire lung.
• Segmentectomy: Removal of only the affected part of the lung.
  These procedures are performed either by traditional thoracotomy or by minimally invasive methods, such as robotic surgery and the thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), which offer faster recovery and fewer complications.

2. Pneumothorax

Pneumothorax occurs when air enters the pleural cavity, causing the lung to collapse. In recurrent or severe cases, surgical treatment includes:

• Pleural effusion (Pleurodesis): Procedure that prevents the accumulation of air, creating adhesions in the pleura.
• Thoracoscopic bubble removal (bullectomy): Removal of the pathological areas of the lung responsible for the pneumothorax.

3. Pleural Collection

The presence of fluid in the pleural cavity can be caused by infections, malignancies, or heart failure. When the collection is large or recurs, it may be necessary to:

• Thoracentesis or chest drainage
• Pleural effusion in recurrent cases
• Surgical removal of the pleura (decortication) in cases of thick fluid or empyema

4. Esophageal Cancer

Esophageal cancer is a serious malignancy that requires surgical removal of the affected part, known as esophagectomyThe process can be done with robotic or thoracoscopic approach, allowing for better recovery and reduced complications.

5. Hiatal Hernia and Diaphragmatic Diseases

A hiatal hernia occurs when the stomach moves through the diaphragm into the chest cavity, causing symptoms such as gastroesophageal reflux. Surgical repair involves septoplasty, which can be done laparoscopic or robotic.

THE hemi-diaphragm elevation It may also require surgical repair when it causes severe respiratory distress.

6. Thymomas and Mediastinal Tumors

Mediastinal tumors, such as thymomas, can be benign or malignant. Depending on their size and location, surgical removal may be done with thoracoscopic or robotic surgery, reducing trauma and hospitalization time.

7. Thoracic Injuries and Traumas

Rib fractures, hemothorax, and lung injuries may require emergency surgical repair, such as:

• Chest drainage for blood removal.
• Surgical stabilization of the ribs in cases of serious fractures.
• Thoracotomy to repair injured pulmonary or vascular structures.

8. Hyperhidrosis

Severe hyperhidrosis of the hands or armpits can be treated with: thoracoscopic sympathectomy, a procedure that interrupts the sympathetic nerves that control sweating.

The Role of Robotic Surgery in Thoracic Surgery

Robotic surgery has revolutionized thoracic surgery, allowing complex procedures to be performed with greater accuracy, less bleeding and faster recoveryIt is widely used in cases of lung cancer, esophagectomy, mediastinal tumors and repair of diaphragmatic diseases.

Conclusion

Thoracic diseases that require surgical treatment are many and varied, from malignancies and trauma to functional disorders of the diaphragm and pleural cavities. Advanced techniques, such as robotics and thoracoscopic surgery, now allow for safer and more effective procedures, improving patients' quality of life. If you are experiencing symptoms such as shortness of breath, chronic cough or chest pain, early diagnosis and evaluation by a specialized thoracic surgeon is vital.