Lungnaskurðarfræði

Lungnaskurðarfræði is the Icelandic term for thoracic surgery, a medical specialty concerned with surgical diseases of the chest. This field primarily deals with organs within the thorax, including the lungs, esophagus, heart, and major blood vessels. Thoracic surgeons perform a wide range of procedures, from treating cancerous tumors in the lungs to repairing damage to the diaphragm or chest wall.

Common conditions treated by lungnaskurðarfræði include lung cancer, emphysema, pleural effusions, and esophageal cancer. Surgical interventions may involve removing diseased lung tissue (lobectomy or pneumonectomy), performing biopsies, or implanting devices like pacemakers. Minimally invasive techniques, such as video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), are increasingly utilized to reduce recovery time and patient discomfort.

The practice of lungnaskurðarfræði requires extensive knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and surgical techniques specific to the thoracic cavity. Collaboration with other medical professionals, including pulmonologists, oncologists, and cardiologists, is essential for comprehensive patient care. Patients undergoing thoracic surgery often face complex recovery processes and may require significant post-operative management.