Adult thoracic surgery

The prospect of being referred for any surgery can be extremely daunting. It is, of course, a huge period in your life with the concerns and worries the prospect of it will inevitably bring. Having been referred, there will be a full consultation to undertake a thorough medical history and examination. We will then summarise and discuss your condition and the potential management options. After we have decided together the best way of proceeding then we will go through the consent and you will proceed with pre-assessment to ensure you are safe and ready to proceed with an operation.

Patients in our trust are frequently admitted the day before surgery to ensure you are settled and have been admitted by nursing and medical teams and it will be made sure that everything is in place and organised. It also gives another opportunity to go through any questions you might have and recap the operation as you feel necessary. You will be seen by an anaesthetist. Following the operation you will wake up in recovery where the team will be keeping a close eye on you following your operation and anaesthetic. We will ensure you are settled and comfortable and you will be transferred to the ward environment. It is important after thoracic surgery that you mobilise early and keep as active as possible. Once you are feeling fit and ready for home, we will ensure you are safely discharged with appropriate medications, if necessary, and plans for support if you need any once you are home.

Following discharge from hospital, recovery continues and that will of course be very much dependent on what surgery you have had and why. We will be there to support you with this and will arrange review as and when you need it.