Heart Surgery Gold Coast
Centre for Cardiothoracic Surgical Excellence
Thoracic Procedures
All operations are attempted through a minimally invasive approach including lung resections for cancer and clearance of complex infections (decortication). Keyhole surgery for excess sweating (hyperhidrosis) is a special interest.
It is important to note that keyhole surgery is less painful than traditional incisions but all incisions between the ribs cause pain. Some people can suffer this for weeks after lung surgery but painkillers are prescribed.
Thoracic operations performed by this practice include :
NUSS Procedure
Nuss is a minimally invasive procedure for treating Pectus Excavatum through two small incisions on the sides of the chest.
A concave stainless steel bar is then inserted behind the sternum and flipped, causing the sterum to pop out. The bar is held in place with a metal plate.
Removal of the bar is usually 2-4 years later.
Minimal Invasive Lung Resection
Lung resection is the surgical removal of all or part of the lung because of lung cancer or other lung disease through small incisions. Recovery is faster and less painful this way.
Minimally Invasive Thoracic Biopsies
As the name suggests Minimally Invasive Thoracic Biopsies is a procedure performed via small incisions by using a thorascope (a small camera on a long tube). The thorascope is inserted by the surgeon so he is able to see inside of the chest.
Sympathectomy
Thoracoscopic Sympathectomy is a surgical procedure that can treat excessive sweating in the hands and underarms by destroying the nerves in the sympathetic nervous system.
In some cases Sympathectomy may be treated with Botulinum Toxin (Botox)
Surgery for all chest traumas
Trauma to the chest may lead to injury of ribs or vital organs deep to the ribs. Ribs are sometimes plated for trauma but often pain relief and physiotherapy are the main treatment. Treatment via a thoroscopic approach for heamothorax is sometimes required.