Have you ever wondered what kind of doctor you would see if you had to have surgery on vital organs in your chest, like your heart or lungs? Or if you had to have surgery because of a problem with your esophagus? That's when a cardiothoracic surgeon comes to our rescue. Although the name may sound a bit long, these people perform very complex, life-saving surgeries. So, today we'll talk about who these specialists are, what they do, and when you should see them.
Who is this Cardiothoracic Surgeon?
Simply put, a cardiothoracic surgeon is a doctor who specializes in surgeries on the organs inside your chest cavity . These organs include your heart, lungs, and esophagus (food pipe). Think about it, the heart and lungs are two of the most essential organs in our body to maintain life . The heart pumps blood throughout the body, and the lungs provide that blood with oxygen. So, to perform surgeries on such important organs, you need someone with special training, right?
These doctors spend six to eight years of specialized training in surgery after graduating from medical school. During this time, they learn in-depth about general surgery as well as surgery involving the heart and chest. Some take even longer to specialize in a subfield of the same field, such as congenital heart disease in infants.
What exactly do these doctors do?
A cardiothoracic surgeon treats conditions that occur in the chest cavity due to disease or injury. They will first diagnose the condition , then discuss treatment options with you, perform surgery if necessary, and follow up with you after the surgery until you are well.
These doctors can treat parts of your body that most people are familiar with, as well as parts you may have never heard of before. Here are some of the main areas they treat:
- The heart and the pericardium: We all know what the heart is. The pericardium is a thin, protective sac that surrounds the heart. They perform surgeries on both of these.
- Coronary arteries: These are the small blood vessels that supply blood to the heart. When these become blocked, a heart attack occurs.
- Esophagus: This is the tube that carries the food we eat from our mouth to our stomach.
- Chest wall: This includes the muscles and bones of the chest.
- Mediastinum: This is the empty space between your lungs. It also contains important organs.
- Trachea: The main tube through which we breathe.
- Diaphragm: A large muscle that separates the chest cavity from the abdominal cavity. It also helps with breathing.
- The lungs and the membrane that surrounds them, the pleura: There's no need to talk about the lungs. The pleura is a protective covering that surrounds the lungs.
Are there different fields of cardiac and thoracic surgeons?
Yes, there are several other subspecialties within this main field. This means that some doctors focus more on one or more of these.
- Cardiac surgeons: These people perform surgeries specifically on the heart and the large blood vessels connected to it.
- Congenital heart surgeons: These people have received special training to perform surgeries on small babies for congenital heart diseases.
- Cardiovascular surgeons: These people look after surgeries related to the entire circulatory system, not just the heart.
- General thoracic surgeons: These people perform surgeries on the heart and other parts of the chest, such as the lungs and esophagus.
- Transplant surgeons: These are the people who have expertise in transplanting a heart or lung.
What kind of diseases do these specialists treat?
These doctors treat a wide variety of diseases related to the chest cavity. Some of them are:
- Coronary artery disease and other heart diseases: Problems such as blockage of the arteries that supply blood to the heart.
- Atrial fibrillation: An irregular heartbeat.
- Aorta problems (e.g., aneurysms): Enlargements or other problems that occur in the body's largest blood vessel.
- Heart transplant
- Lung transplant
- Lung diseases (e.g. Cancer): Various diseases that occur in the lungs, including cancerous conditions.
- Diseases of the esophagus (e.g., cancer): Diseases and cancers that occur in the food pipe.
- Emphysema : A disease that damages the air sacs in the lungs and causes difficulty breathing.
- Heart failure: The heart is unable to pump blood efficiently enough.
- Difficulty swallowing
- Accidental chest injuries
- Congenital heart defects: These affect the functioning of the heart.
- Hiatal hernias: Part of the stomach protrudes through the diaphragm into the chest.
- Problems with the muscles and bones of the chest wall
- Aneurysms in chest arteries
- Heart valve dysfunction
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): We call it an acute form of gastritis, where stomach acid comes up.
What is the difference between a Cardiac Surgeon and a Cardiothoracic Surgeon?
This is something that confuses many people. A cardiac surgeon is someone who specializes only in surgeries on the heart and the large blood vessels directly connected to the heart (e.g. the aorta).
However, a Cardiothoracic Surgeon is someone who works in a much broader field. He performs surgeries on almost everything in the chest cavity in addition to the heart. That means everything from the lungs to the esophagus to the trachea falls under his field. Simply put, a cardiac surgeon is another subspecialty within the field of cardiothoracic surgery.
What kind of tests do these doctors perform?
These doctors may order various tests to diagnose your condition. These tests may vary depending on your symptoms. Some of the most common tests are:
- Chest X-ray: Check the basic condition of the chest organs.
- CT scan: Takes cross-sectional images of the inside of the body to see in more detail.
- MRI scan (magnetic resonance imaging): Uses a magnetic field and radio waves to produce detailed images.
- Ultrasound: Use sound waves to produce images of organs (often the heart as an echocardiogram).
- Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG): Records the electrical activity of the heart.
- Echocardiogram: An ultrasound scan to check the function of the heart and the condition of its valves.
- Cardiac catheterization: A test to check for things like blockages in the arteries of the heart.
- Multigated Acquisition Scan (MUGA scan): See how well the heart is pumping blood.
- Exercise stress test: See how the heart responds to exercise.
- Holter monitor: A device that continuously records the heart's ECG for 24 hours or more.
- Pulmonary function test: See how well your lungs are working.
- Pulse oximetry: Checks the oxygen level in the blood.
- Upper endoscopy: Examination of the esophagus and stomach using a tube with a camera.
- Biopsy: Taking a piece of suspicious tissue and examining it under a microscope.
- Esophageal manometry: See how the muscles of the esophagus are working.
When should we see a cardiothoracic surgeon?
Often, you will be referred to a specialist by another doctor. This may be your primary care provider. Or it may be a pulmonologist or cardiologist. They will refer you to a specialist if your condition is not controlled by medication or other treatments and they think surgery is necessary. Also, if you want a second opinion from another doctor, you can go see a second cardiothoracic surgeon yourself.
What should you expect when you go to see a specialist like this?
When you go to see a specialist like this, he will first examine you physically. Then he will talk to you carefully about your symptoms. Your family medical history is very important, especially when it comes to heart disease. Because some heart diseases can run in families. So, be prepared to tell him exactly if anyone in your family has had heart disease and what kind of disease it was.
He or she will want to see your previous test results. If it's been a while since you've had those tests, he or she may ask you to do them again. You should also tell him or her about any medications you're currently taking.
After examining you and reviewing all the information you provide, he may prescribe medication for you. Or, he may say that he needs more tests before deciding what to do next. Once he has all the information he needs to fully understand your condition, he will discuss your treatment options with you in detail, including surgery if necessary. Don't be afraid to ask any questions you may have.
Remember, if you don't understand something when the doctor explains it to you, don't be shy about asking again. It's very important that you have a good understanding of your condition.
Do I need a referral to see a cardiothoracic surgeon?
This may vary depending on your insurance plan. It's a good idea to check with your insurance company. However, you will most likely need a referral. This is from the doctor who first diagnosed your condition but who was unable to treat it with medication or other treatments. Doctors who can refer you to a cardiothoracic surgeon include:
- Your cardiologist
- Your Pulmonologist
- Your family doctor (Primary care provider)
- Your gastroenterologist (for example, for esophageal problems)
People like that can be included.
What are the specialties of cardiac and thoracic surgeons?
As we've talked about a bit before, these doctors have other sub-specialties. That means they focus more on certain parts or diseases of the chest cavity. Some of the main specialties include:
- Heart surgery
- Heart and lung transplant surgery
- Congenital heart surgery
- Thoracic surgery (surgery involving organs other than the heart)
Where do these doctors work?
Cardiac and thoracic surgeons usually work in hospitals. Some also work in private medical centers. In addition, some doctors engage in medical research or teach medical students.
Remember the most important things (Take-Home Message)
Cardiothoracic surgeons are people who perform surgeries on some of the most important organs in our bodies. The surgeries they perform are often very complex. So if you are being offered surgery, be sure to ask your doctor any questions or concerns you may have. You should have a clear understanding of why you need the surgery and how it will help your condition.
After surgery, take all medications prescribed by your doctor on time. Follow the instructions given to take care of yourself or your loved one. Do not miss any follow-up appointments after surgery. They are the ones that allow the doctor to see how well you are recovering. Always stay positive and wish you a speedy recovery!
` Heart surgery, Thoracic surgery, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Heart disease, Lung disease, Surgery, Surgeon, Chest surgery, Heart surgery Sinhala, Lung surgery Sinhala
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