Thoracic Surgery

Which Diseases and Conditions Are Treated?

Our Thoracic Surgery Department treats benign and malignant tumors, structural deformities, and trauma-related injuries of the organs within the chest cavity.

Lung Cancer and Tumors

Lung cancer is a disease that can be treated with high success rates through surgical intervention when diagnosed at an early stage. In our department, lung cancer surgery is planned according to the patient's general health status and the stage of the tumor. For early-stage tumors, surgical techniques aiming to maximize the preservation of healthy lung tissue are applied. We also successfully perform the surgical removal of cancers that have spread (metastasized) to the lungs from other organs.

Hyperhidrosis (Excessive Sweating)

Excessive sweating in the hands, armpits, and face is a condition that can severely impact a person's social and professional life. The Clipped ETS (Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy) surgery we perform for excessive sweating offers a lasting solution to this problem. Thanks to this minimally invasive procedure, performed through very small incisions under the armpit, our patients can return to their normal lives in a short time. Hyperhidrosis surgery is based on the principle of clipping the sympathetic nerves that cause sweating, and it has a very high success rate.

Chest Wall Deformities

Chest wall deformities, commonly known as funnel chest (pectus excavatum) or pigeon chest (pectus carinatum), can cause both aesthetic and physiological issues. Chest wall deformity surgery is planned based on the patient's age and the severity of the condition. Today, these deformities are successfully corrected using minimally invasive methods (Nuss and Abramson techniques) with the help of special steel bars placed behind or in front of the rib cage.

Other Thoracic Surgery Conditions

Our department also provides surgical treatment for the following conditions:

• Pleural (lung lining) diseases, fluid accumulation, and inflammations
• Pneumothorax (collapsed lung)
• Mediastinal (middle of the chest cavity) tumors and cysts
• Diaphragm paralysis and hernias
• Chest trauma (rib fractures, penetrating injuries)
• Tracheal (windpipe) tumors and strictures

Diagnostic Methods

An accurate diagnosis is essential for proper surgical planning. Thanks to our hospital's advanced radiology and laboratory infrastructure, chest diseases are diagnosed quickly and reliably. Our primary diagnostic methods include:

• Low-dose Computed Tomography (CT) and MRI imaging
• PET-CT (for cancer staging and tumor detection)
• Bronchoscopy (camera examination of the airways)
• Mediastinoscopy (examination of lymph nodes in the chest cavity)
• Biopsy procedures (needle biopsy or closed surgical biopsy)
• Pulmonary function tests

Treatment Methods and Procedures

Our fundamental approach in thoracic surgery is to prefer minimally invasive methods that cause the least harm to the patient and ensure the fastest recovery.

Closed Lung Surgery (VATS)

VATS (Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery) is a closed lung surgery method performed by entering through small 1-2 centimeter incisions made between the ribs with a camera and special surgical instruments, without opening the rib cage. This method provides significant advantages to the patient compared to traditional open surgeries. Postoperative pain is much less, hospital stays are shorter, and the patient's return to normal daily life is faster. Lung cancer surgery, collapsed lung treatment, and biopsy procedures are predominantly performed using the VATS method in our clinic.

Open Surgery (Thoracotomy and Sternotomy)

In advanced-stage tumors, large masses, or complex anatomical situations where closed surgery is not suitable, open surgical methods are safely applied. During these operations, the patient's pain control is effectively managed with modern anesthesia techniques.

Technology and Expert Team

The Thoracic Surgery Department at BHT CLINIC İstanbul Tema Hastanesi serves with an experienced team of specialist physicians and an advanced operating room infrastructure. Diagnosis and treatment processes in our clinic are planned with a multidisciplinary approach, resulting from the joint evaluations of pulmonology, oncology, radiology, and anesthesia specialists.

Under the leadership of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Orhan Yücel, who has deep experience especially in lung cancer and minimally invasive surgery, surgical treatments are performed at international standards (with the assurance of JCI accreditation). Our operating rooms are equipped with high-resolution imaging systems and special surgical equipment necessary for advanced closed surgical interventions like VATS.

When Should You See a Doctor?

Certain symptoms involving the rib cage and respiratory system are critical for early diagnosis and life-saving surgical interventions. If you experience one or more of the following complaints, it is recommended to consult a thoracic surgery specialist without delay:

• Persistent cough lasting more than three weeks, not resolving or changing in character
• Coughing up blood or blood-tinged sputum
• Chest and back pain that increases when taking a deep breath or coughing
• Unexplained shortness of breath, wheezing
• Visible deformity, depression, or protrusion in the rib cage
• Excessive sweating in the hands, armpits, and face that affects social life
• Severe pain and trauma marks in the chest area after a fall, impact, or traffic accident

Appointment and Consultation Process

Your consultation process at the Thoracic Surgery Department of BHT CLINIC İstanbul Tema Hastanesi begins with listening to your complaints and a detailed physical examination. If deemed necessary, your physician will order radiological imaging and pulmonary tests to establish a definitive diagnosis. If surgical intervention is required, you will be provided with detailed, transparent, and understandable information about the type of surgery, risks, recovery process, and length of hospital stay.

To plan your treatment and consult with our expert physicians, you can easily book your appointment through our online appointment page or get support by calling our call center.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is excessive sweating surgery (ETS) a permanent solution?

Yes, Clipped ETS (Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy) surgery is a permanent surgical method with a high success rate for excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) in the hands, armpits, and face. Since it is performed using a closed method, the recovery process is quite fast.

What is the recovery process like after lung cancer surgery?

Thanks to surgeries performed with closed methods (VATS), our patients can usually be discharged within a few days. The time to full recovery and return to normal life is much shorter compared to open surgeries where muscles and ribs are cut. Postoperative pain management is supported by modern methods.

Can funnel chest (pectus excavatum) be corrected without surgery?

While non-surgical methods such as vacuum bell therapy can be tried in mild cases, the most effective and permanent solution for significant chest wall deformities is minimally invasive surgery (Nuss procedure). With this method, the deformity is corrected using a bar placed behind the rib cage.

What is closed lung surgery (VATS)?

VATS (Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery) is a minimally invasive surgical method performed by entering through small incisions between the ribs with a high-resolution camera and special instruments, without opening the rib cage. Its biggest advantages are less pain, a lower risk of infection, and faster recovery.