Thoracotomy vs. Thoracostomy

Thoracotomynoun

(surgery) The surgical procedure of making an incision into the chest, normally as a first step to gain access to the thoracic organs, such as the heart, the lungs, and the esophagus.

Thoracotomynoun

The operation of opening the pleural cavity by incision.

Thoracotomynoun

surgical incision into the chest wall.

Thoracotomy

A thoracotomy is a surgical procedure to gain access into the pleural space of the chest. It is performed by surgeons (emergency physicians or paramedics under certain circumstances) to gain access to the thoracic organs, most commonly the heart, the lungs, or the esophagus, or for access to the thoracic aorta or the anterior spine (the latter may be necessary to access tumors in the spine).

Thoracostomynoun

Incision into the chest wall, with maintenance of the opening for drainage.

Thoracostomynoun

Surgical opening of the chest wall, usually in order to provide access for drainage or resection of (a portion of) a rib.

Thoracostomy

A thoracostomy is a small incision of the chest wall, with maintenance of the opening for drainage. It is most commonly used for the treatment of a pneumothorax.