Understanding a Chest Wall Lump Causes Diagnosis and Treatment
Discovering a new lump or swelling on your chest can be alarming. It’s a natural reaction. This growth, known as a chest wall lump, can appear on any of the structures that form the protective cage around your heart and lungs—the ribs, sternum (breastbone), cartilage, and muscles. While it's easy to assume the worst, it's […]
Managing Fractured Rib Pain With Confidence And Care
Breathing when your ribs are cracked can feel like glass slicing in with every inhale. Fortunately, timely pain relief and gentle breathing drills can bring real comfort. Anna, juggling work and family life, found that simple exercises paired with over-the-counter painkillers had her feeling better in just a few days. Experiencing Fractured Rib Pain One […]
A Patient’s Guide to Enhanced Recovery After Surgery
For anyone facing surgery, the thought of a long, difficult recovery can be just as daunting as the procedure itself. Traditionally, the post-operative period meant days of bed rest, fasting, and a slow, passive return to normal life. But what if we could change that? Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) does exactly that. It’s a […]
When Minimally Invasive (VATS) Fails — When We Switch To Open Surgery (Step-by-Step)
Minimally invasive thoracic surgery has come a long way. Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) and robotic techniques have dramatically reduced pain, shortened recovery times, and improved cosmetic outcomes for our patients. But not every case plays out the way we plan. Sometimes, despite careful imaging, preparation, and technique, we have to pivot mid-procedure—and convert to an […]
A Day in the Life of a Thoracic Surgeon: From Clinic to Theatre to On-Call
By Marco Scarci There’s a public image of the surgeon: calm, clinical, commanding the operating theatre like a conductor. But the life of a thoracic surgeon is far from that polished image. What the image leaves out are the missed breaks, the corridor decisions, the ward round detours, the quiet doubts—and the endless pager beeps. […]
How I Evaluate a Second Opinion in Thoracic Surgery – 5 Critical Things I Look For
By Marco Scarci, Consultant Thoracic Surgeon When patients come to me for a second opinion in thoracic surgery, it’s rarely just about the diagnosis. It’s about clarity. Reassurance. Sometimes it’s about doubt—“Have we missed something?” “Is there another option?” My job isn’t to undermine the first opinion—it’s to make sure you have all the right […]
Pneumothorax Surgery – What to Expect. Before, During, and After
An Overview of Pneumothorax Surgery What is Pneumothorax Surgery? Also referred to as collapsed lung surgery, and known as surgical treatment, thoracic surgery, or lung surgery, is usually considered when the initial treatments fail, if a patient has recurrent pneumothoraces, or in cases of severe lung collapse. The primary surgical procedures include: 1. Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic […]
Living with Pneumothorax: How Surgery Can Improve Your Quality of Life
Pneumothorax, commonly referred to as a collapsed lung, can be a frightening and debilitating condition. It occurs when air leaks into the pleural space, causing the lung to deflate. This can lead to chest pain, difficulty breathing, and in severe cases, life-threatening complications. However, with the right treatment, particularly surgery, it’s possible to regain a […]
Understanding Hyperhidrosis Surgery
Understanding Hyperhidrosis Surgery: Types, Benefits, and What to Expect Hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating, can significantly impact your daily life, making it difficult to feel comfortable and confident in social, professional, and personal settings. While there are several treatment options available, surgery can provide long-lasting relief for those who don’t respond to conservative treatments. In this […]
Understanding Lung Cancer Screening: When is Surgery the Right Choice?
Lung cancer remains one of the most common and deadly cancers worldwide, but early detectioncan make a significant difference. Screening plays a crucial role in finding lung cancer at an early,more treatable stage. However, not everyone with a positive screening result will require surgery.Determining when surgery is necessary depends on several factors, including the cancer’s […]
