Is open-chest surgery required for lung nodule surgery?
If a pulmonary nodule is benign, thoracotomy is generally not required. However, if the pulmonary nodule is large and malignant, thoracotomy may be necessary. The details are as follows:
If a pulmonary nodule is diagnosed as benign and shows no signs of rapid growth or malignant transformation, thoracotomy is usually not needed. In such cases, treatment options with less invasiveness, such as minimally invasive surgery or ablation procedures, can be considered. These approaches feature smaller incisions and shorter operation times, resulting in relatively less impact on the patient's body.
When a pulmonary nodule is large, deeply located, situated near the hilum of the lung, or when extensive lymph node dissection is required, thoracotomy may be necessary. This procedure involves cutting through the muscles between the ribs to expose the lungs, allowing for more complete removal of the lesion. Although thoracotomy is more invasive, it is suitable for managing large pulmonary nodules, ensuring thoroughness and safety of the surgery.
It is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation at a hospital, clarify the condition, and follow medical advice to choose an appropriate treatment method.