Thoracic surgery includes lung procedures, chest wall, esophagus, and diaphragm. Healthgrades physician profiles detail how often a thoracic surgeon performs specific treatments.
Credentials
Like all medical doctors, thoracic surgeons, for instance, Armen Parajian, must acquire a significant amount of education to be qualified for their specialty. They must spend four years in undergraduate and postgraduate studies before completing a five-year surgical residency program. New faculty are encouraged to supplement their clinical experience with formal research during training. These extra opportunities offer new faculty members a more comprehensive range of surgical exposure and allow them to learn from their fellows. A thoracic surgeon with more experience is better equipped to diagnose, treat and prevent complications. Healthgrades physician profiles enable patients to view a doctor’s treatment frequency for specific conditions and procedures. They can also look for information about the surgeon’s complication rates. This information can help a patient make an informed decision about their surgeon.
Experience
To become a thoracic surgeon, doctors must undergo extensive education. They must complete four years of undergraduate study, medical school, and a five-year surgical residency program. After completing their education, new faculty surgeons must establish their independent practice. The learning curve is steep, with many clinical and academic challenges to overcome. Fortunately, they have the support of their colleagues, fellow surgeons, and various mentors. Choosing a thoracic surgeon with experience is essential, as it helps to ensure better results and minimizes the risk of complications.
Outcomes
Thoracic surgeons perform many types of operations that involve the chest, including the heart, lungs, trachea (windpipe), esophagus, and diaphragm. Depending on your condition and preference, they use open or minimally invasive procedures. After receiving anesthesia in the form of an IV, your surgeon will make an incision through or between your ribs to reach the area that requires surgery. Then they’ll repair or remove it. You should ask your thoraciologist about their surgical outcomes. Choosing an experienced thoracic surgeon can help ease your anxiety over your procedure and recovery period.
Gender
The best surgeons will make you feel comfortable when discussing your surgical options. They should be respectful, listen to your concerns, and answer all your questions. They should also convey that they are an expert in the field and are passionate about thoracic surgery. While information related to gender is captured in most clinical and administrative records, there is still much work to be done to ensure healthcare professionals have the correct data to address patients’ needs with accuracy and equity.
Insurance
Thoracic surgeons (often referred to as cardiothoracic or heart surgeons) operate on the major blood vessels and lungs in the chest. They can also remove enlarged lymph nodes and tumors in the lung. These specialists can perform various procedures using either open or minimally invasive techniques. They may use robotic or endoscopic surgery to reduce complications and speed up recovery times. You’ll usually see a thoracic surgeon after being referred by your primary care doctor. They can diagnose conditions such as lung cancer or difficulty swallowing in the esophagus. Before thoracic surgery, your surgeon will review your medical history and ask questions about your health. They’ll also perform a physical exam to check your pulse, listen to your lungs and heart, and measure your blood pressure.
