thoracotomy
Pronunciation: thor-uh-COT-uh-mee
Surgical incision through the chest wall to access thoracic organs, requiring specialized postoperative critical care management.
Full Definition
Thoracotomy involves making a surgical incision through the chest wall to access the lungs, heart, esophagus, or other thoracic structures. In critical care, post-thoracotomy patients require careful management of chest tubes, pain control with epidural analgesia or intercostal blocks, and respiratory therapy to prevent complications. Emergency thoracotomy may be performed in trauma cases for cardiac tamponade, massive hemothorax, or air embolism. Pain management is crucial as inadequate analgesia leads to splinting and respiratory complications.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from thoracostomy (chest tube placement) and thoracentesis (pleural fluid aspiration).
In Context
- "Post-thoracotomy pain management includes epidural analgesia and scheduled acetaminophen." — Pain management protocol
- "Emergency department thoracotomy achieved return of spontaneous circulation." — Trauma case report