Bullous emphysema is defined as an expansion of the alveolar space with a diameter more than 1 cm and a wall thickness less than 1 mm.
Surgical resection of bullous emphysema is indicated for patients with symptoms related to the compression of giant bullae (usually >30% of hemithorax) or related complications, including infection, rupture, or bleeding.
Improvements in exercise tolerance and respiratory reserve, as well as resolution of related complications, have been reported when these patients undergo surgical intervention.
A wide variety of surgical procedures has been used, including intracavity drainage, bullae resection or plication, or lobectomy. These procedures, traditionally performed via an open approach, such as thoracotomy or sternotomy, has gradually been replaced by video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), a minimally invasive approach.
SURGICAL PROCEDURES
- ICU Stay: 1 day
- HOSPITAL Stay: 4-5 days
- TOTAL Stay in TURKEY (range in DAYS*; unless any other complications!): 13-14 Days
GENERAL INFO
Before Surgery
- Consultations – (Preop – *(Only Anesthesia and Chest Diseases are preoperatively included in the total charges!): Anesthesia and Chest Diseases (if needed)*
- Blood Tests: Yes (Hemogram, Serology, Biochemistry, Blood type)
- Chest X-Ray: Yes (*Bilateral; PA and Lateral Chest Graphies)
- Abdominal X-Ray: No
- PFT (Pulmonary Function Test): Yes
- V/Q Scan (Lung Ventilation / Perfusion Scan): Yes, if needed! – *(Not included in the total charges!)
- Chest HRCT – *(If the patient have the CT scans already done, then no need to take additional CT scans preop): Yes *(Not included in the total charges!)
USG / Ultrasonography (Chest, Abdomen, and/or others) – If needed! (*Not included in the total charges!)
During Surgery
- General Anesthesia: Yes
- Local/Regional Anesthesia: No
- Local Anesthesia + Sedation: No
- Spinal / Epidural Anesthesia: Not routine!; *If needed! *(Not included in the total charges!)
- PCA (Patient Controlled Analgesia; Epidural or IV route!): Not routine!; *If needed for Postop Analgesia! – *(Not included in the total charges!)
After Surgery
- HOSPITAL STAY after the ICU period, if ever: 4-5 Days
- STAY AT HOTEL after being discharged from Hospital – *’Wound Dressing’ Everyday till the Control Day!: 8 Days
- First CONTROL Day! – *Get the Stitches removed, If ever!: 8th Day after being discharged to HOTEL!
- Discharged to HOME – *Take your prescription – DO NOT FORGET! – Patient generally could have “a safe flight to home” after the FIRST CONTROL!: 8th Day after discharged to HOTEL (Postop Day 13-14).
- After Surgery (4th week) Needs CONTROL by a new CHEST X-RAY Late – CONTROLS (3rd – 6th – 12th -24th months in concordance with “CHEST DISEASES Department Follow-ups”)!: Yes (Chest HRCT at the 6th month CONTROL)*