Thoracic surgery is a specialized field focused on treating diseases and conditions of the chest, including the lungs, esophagus, trachea (windpipe), diaphragm, and chest wall. It is often performed to address both non-cancerous and cancerous conditions, as well as trauma or congenital abnormalities. Common thoracic procedures include lung cancer surgery, esophageal surgery, lung volume reduction, removal of chest tumors, and treatment for collapsed lungs (pneumothorax). Minimally invasive approaches, such as video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) and robotic surgery, are often used to reduce pain, scarring, and recovery time.

Thoracic surgery may be necessary when symptoms like chest pain, difficulty breathing, or chronic infections affect quality of life or when early detection of cancer requires prompt surgical intervention. Recovery depends on the specific procedure and the patient’s overall health but often involves a hospital stay and follow-up care. Thoracic surgery can be life-saving and offers excellent outcomes when performed by experienced specialists.