Understanding Nodules in Lungs: What Patients Need to Know
Finding the words “nodule in lungs” on an imaging report can trigger immediate worry. Perhaps you had a CT scan for an unrelated issue—a car accident, abdominal pain, or a routine heart check—and now you’re staring at terminology that sounds alarming. Take a breath. This guide walks you through everything you need to know about […]
Consultant’s View — What Patients Are Most Surprised by After Lung Surgery
By Mr. Marco Scarci, Consultant Thoracic Surgeon As a consultant thoracic surgeon, I’ve had the privilege of guiding many patients through lung surgery—from the anxious first consultation to their final recovery check-up. One thing that stands out? How surprised many patients are by certain parts of the journey. Here are the top five surprises I […]
How I Think About Surgery Risk, Safety, and Outcomes
By Mr. Marco Scarci, Consultant Thoracic Surgeon When patients come to see me, they often have two questions in mind about surgery risk: These are not just clinical questions—they are deeply personal ones. That’s why I believe it’s my responsibility not just to operate, but to guide, educate, and help each person make a decision […]
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 […]
