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Surgery |
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So Steve, what was the problem and what did you have done? Here are the gory details: I had thoracotomy, which is essentially major thoracic surgery to gain access to the lung cavity. The reason for the surgery was to permanently repair a pneumothorax – a bubble that formed outside my right lung, in the usually-thin space between the inside chest wall and the lung. This sace is called the “pleural space”. When an unknown injury or spontaneous leak in my lung allowed air (and fluid) into that space, the lung was overcome and “crushed” by the bubble to some degree. Thus the common term for a pneumothorax is a “partially collapsed lung”. The main repair procedure during the thoracotomy was supposed to be to perform pleurodesis, or an intentional obliteration of the pleural space between the lung and the chest wall. In common English, the goal was to force a bond between the lung and the chest wall so that even if there were a future leak in the lung (due perhaps to some genetic or chronic thin area), pockets could not form in a plural space that wasn’t there, and the lung could not collapse. My thoracotomy was supposed to be video assisted laparoscopy, and be comprised of just three small holes. Unfortunately for reasons I’ll explain in a second, full access to the chest cavity was needed, using a traditional incision that was at least 8 inches long. As I understand events, when they first fully collapsed my right lung to go and have a look around, it was immediately apparent that I had a bigger mess than originally known. The lung was covered in scar tissue and evidence of previous infection (though I’ve never smoked, etc.), such that the entire outer membrane of the lung would need to be peeled away and removed for proper lung function. This procedure is called decortication, and is the reason for the extensive incision. With the use of a rib spreader, full access was gained to the chest, but without a single broken rib. From my perspective, the worst part of the stay was dealing with the chest tubes put in place during the surgery. I referred to them as “garden hoses”, but suffice to say that they were good size diameter surgical tubes. Their purpose was to allow a one-way exit of fluid and air pockets from the chest cavity after surgery and during initial healing. The problem, however, was that the tubes exited out the right side of my body, just below and behind my right pectoral muscle (if I actually had a “pec”:-). The hoses were bound and dressed with care, but between the 8 inch scar, the other holes, and the garden hoses coming out of my body, sleeping on my back, side, or in any other position was extremely difficult and painful. In the end, I’m hopeful for solid healing, and am extremely grateful for such quality medical assistance. I’m also grateful for all of you who expressed your concern for me, and sent well-wishes. Your efforts have been greatly appreciated. |
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