At Emirates Hospitals, our Thoracic Surgery department is dedicated to providing advanced and comprehensive care for patients with conditions affecting the chest, including the lungs, esophagus, and chest wall. Our team of highly skilled surgeons is equipped with the latest technology and techniques to perform a wide range of thoracic procedures, ensuring the best possible outcomes for our patients.
What is Thoracic Surgery
Thoracic surgery is a medical specialty focused on diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the chest, including the lungs, heart, esophagus, and other structures within the thoracic cavity. This field encompasses a variety of procedures, such as:
Lung surgery (e.g., lobectomy, pneumonectomy, and surgery for lung cancer)
Cardiac surgery (e.g., bypass surgery, valve repair or replacement)
Esophageal surgery (e.g., surgery for esophageal cancer or strictures)
Thoracic trauma surgery (e.g., treatment of injuries to the chest)
Minimally invasive techniques (e.g., video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery, or VATS)
Thoracic surgeons work closely with other specialists to manage complex cases and improve patient outcomes.
Conditions Treated in Thoracic Surgery
Our thoracic surgery services cover the diagnosis, treatment, and management of various conditions, including but not limited to:
Lung Cancer: Surgical resection of lung tumors, including lobectomy, pneumonectomy, and segmentectomy, using minimally invasive techniques when possible.
Esophageal Disorders: Treatment of esophageal cancer, achalasia, and other benign esophageal conditions through procedures such as esophagectomy and fundoplication.
Chest Wall Tumors: Surgical removal of benign and malignant tumors affecting the chest wall.
Pleural Diseases: Management of pleural effusions, pneumothorax, and pleural tumors, often through thoracoscopic procedures.
Thoracic Trauma: Emergency surgical interventions for traumatic injuries to the chest, including rib fractures and lung lacerations.
Hyperhidrosis: Surgical treatment for excessive sweating through thoracoscopic sympathectomy.
Symptoms of Thoracic Conditions
Patients with thoracic conditions may experience a variety of symptoms, including:
Chest Pain: Discomfort or pain in the chest, which can vary in intensity and may be sharp or dull.
Shortness of Breath: Difficulty breathing or a feeling of breathlessness, which can occur during physical activity or at rest.
Cough: Persistent cough, which may be dry or produce mucus, and could be accompanied by blood.
Wheezing: A high-pitched whistling sound while breathing, often indicating airway obstruction.
Difficulty Swallowing: Pain or discomfort when swallowing, potentially related to esophageal disorders.
Unexplained Weight Loss: Significant weight loss without changes in diet or exercise, which can be a sign of serious underlying conditions.
Fatigue: Unusual tiredness or lack of energy, which may accompany other symptoms.
Diagnosis in Thoracic Surgery
Our thoracic surgery in Dubai include comprehensive diagnostic evaluations for various conditions, such as:
Imaging Studies:
Chest X-rays
CT scans
MRI scans
Pulmonary Function Tests:
Assessment of lung function to diagnose respiratory issues.
Endoscopic Procedures:
Bronchoscopy for direct visualization of the airways and lung tissue.
Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) for evaluating esophageal conditions.
Biopsy Procedures:
Needle biopsies and surgical biopsies to obtain tissue samples for analysis.
Laboratory Tests:
Blood tests and other laboratory evaluations to support diagnosis.
These diagnostic tools help us accurately identify thoracic conditions and determine the most effective treatment plan.
Advanced Surgical Techniques
Our thoracic surgeons are proficient in both traditional open surgeries and minimally invasive procedure. These advanced techniques allow for smaller incisions, less postoperative pain, and faster recovery times, enabling patients to return to their normal activities more quickly.
Multidisciplinary Approach
At Emirates Hospitals, we take a multidisciplinary approach to thoracic surgery. Our surgeons work closely with oncologists, pulmonologists, radiologists, and other specialists to create personalized treatment plans for each patient. This collaborative approach ensures that every aspect of the patient’s care is addressed, from diagnosis through treatment and recovery.
Recovery After Thoracic Surgery
Recovery from thoracic surgery varies depending on the type of procedure performed and the individual patient. Here are some key aspects of the recovery process:
Hospital Stay:
Length of stay may range from a few days to a week, depending on the surgery and patient’s condition.
Pain Management:
Pain is managed through medications, and patients may receive a pain pump or oral pain relievers.
Breathing Exercises:
Patients are encouraged to perform deep breathing exercises and use incentive spirometry to prevent complications like pneumonia.
Physical Activity:
Gradual increase in physical activity is recommended. Patients are usually encouraged to walk as soon as possible.
Wound Care:
Proper care of surgical incisions is essential to prevent infection. Patients will receive specific instructions for cleaning and monitoring the site.
Follow-Up Appointments:
Regular follow-ups with the thoracic surgeon are important to monitor recovery and address any concerns.
Dietary Considerations:
A balanced diet is encouraged to aid recovery. Specific dietary restrictions may be advised depending on the type of surgery.
Emotional Support:
Emotional and psychological support may be beneficial, as recovery can sometimes be challenging.
Patient-Centered Care
We understand that undergoing thoracic surgery can be daunting, which is why we prioritize patient comfort and support throughout the treatment process. Our team provides thorough preoperative consultations, detailed explanations of procedures, and compassionate postoperative care to help our patients feel confident and informed every step of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
The most common thoracic surgeries include lung resections, such as lobectomy (removal of a lobe of the lung), and procedures for treating esophageal conditions, such as esophagectomy. Thoracoscopic surgery (minimally invasive techniques) is also frequently performed for various thoracic issues.
The cost of thoracic surgery in Dubai can vary significantly based on the type of procedure, the complexity of the case, and the surgeon’s expertise. At Emirates Hospitals Group, we provide transparent pricing and personalized estimates after a thorough evaluation. It’s best to consult with our team to discuss your specific situation and obtain a detailed cost breakdown.
Thoracic surgery encompasses a range of procedures aimed at diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the chest, including:
Lung surgery (e.g., lobectomy, pneumonectomy)
Esophageal surgery (e.g., esophagectomy, fundoplication)
Chest wall surgery (removal of tumors)
Management of pleural diseases (e.g., pleural effusions)
Emergency interventions for thoracic trauma
Each procedure is tailored to the individual patient’s condition and needs.
Like any major surgery, thoracic surgery carries certain risks, which can include complications such as bleeding, infection, and respiratory issues. However, the risk level depends on factors such as the patient’s overall health, the specific procedure being performed, and the surgeon’s expertise. At Emirates Hospitals Group, our thoracic surgeons are highly skilled, and we prioritize patient safety and comprehensive pre-operative assessments to minimize risks.
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Emirates Thoracic Surgery, Multi Disciplinary Team (MDT)
Dr Mohamed Alhaj Mustafa
Specialist Thoracic Surgery
Emirates Specialty Hospital DHCC; Emirates Hospital JumeirahLearn More
Dr. Ihab Jizi
Specialist Pulmonology
Emirates Hospital Jumeirah; Emirates Hospital Clinic Dubai MarinaLearn More
Dr Ahmed Shehata
Specialist Pulmonology
Emirates specialty Hospital - DHCC; Emirates Hospital JumeirahLearn More