Decortication

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Procedure Description

Decortication is a surgical procedure primarily performed on the lungs to remove the fibrous layer that can restrict lung function. This fibrous layer can develop in patients with infections like empyema, where pus or other fluid accumulates between the lungs and the pleura, leading to a thickened pleural layer. When left untreated, this thickening can encase the lung, making it difficult to expand fully, which severely impacts breathing. Decortication is often the best treatment for such patients to restore lung functionality and improve respiratory health.

This procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia in an operating room. The surgeon makes an incision in the chest to access the pleural cavity. With precision, the surgeon removes the restrictive fibrous tissue layer from the lung’s surface, a process that requires careful handling to avoid damage to the lung tissue. In some cases, decortication might be performed alongside other lung-related procedures, such as a lobectomy (removal of a lobe of the lung) if severe damage is detected.

Decortication is also used in cases where the lung tissue is trapped by a thickened pleura due to conditions like tuberculosis or malignancies, although this is less common. By stripping away the thickened pleura, decortication allows the lung to expand again, restoring its full capacity and providing significant relief to the patient. This procedure has proven effective in enabling better lung functionality, reducing pain, and preventing further complications associated with restricted lung movement.

Procedure Duration

The duration of decortication can vary based on factors such as the extent of the pleural thickening, the patient’s overall health, and any additional procedures required. Typically, decortication surgery takes about 2 to 4 hours. The surgeon and anesthesiologist closely monitor the patient’s vital signs throughout the surgery to ensure stability and address any arising complications.

The immediate recovery phase, which involves monitoring in a post-operative recovery unit, can last a few hours. In most cases, patients are required to stay in the hospital for a period ranging from 5 to 10 days after the procedure. This extended stay allows medical professionals to closely observe recovery progress, manage pain, and provide supportive care, such as breathing exercises to improve lung expansion.

After discharge, patients often experience a recovery period that can last several weeks to a few months. During this time, follow-up appointments are essential to monitor lung function and detect any signs of fluid accumulation or other complications. Physical activities are gradually reintroduced, with breathing exercises being a core part of the rehabilitation process to ensure full lung expansion and functionality.

Benefits

  • Improved Lung Function: Decortication restores the lung’s ability to expand fully, significantly improving breathing capacity.
  • Pain Relief: The procedure alleviates chest pain associated with trapped lung tissue, enhancing comfort.
  • Reduced Risk of Complications: By removing the restrictive layer, decortication prevents further lung infections or complications.
  • Enhanced Quality of Life: Improved breathing allows patients to engage more fully in daily activities without fatigue.
  • Effective for Chronic Conditions: Decortication provides relief in cases of long-term infections or chronic respiratory conditions where other treatments may not be effective.

Potential Destinations

  • Turkey
    Turkey has established a strong reputation for thoracic surgeries, including decortication. With a high standard of medical facilities and experienced surgeons, Turkey offers competitive pricing while maintaining international standards, making it an attractive option for medical tourists.
  • India
    Known for its advanced healthcare infrastructure and affordable medical services, India is a top destination for decortication. Indian hospitals are equipped with modern technology, and their medical teams often have extensive experience with complex lung surgeries.
  • Thailand
    Thailand’s medical tourism industry is well-developed, with numerous hospitals offering decortication and other advanced thoracic surgeries. Its state-of-the-art facilities and comprehensive patient care make Thailand a popular destination for patients seeking quality care in a tropical setting.
  • Mexico
    With its proximity to the United States, Mexico has become a preferred destination for North American patients. Many hospitals in Mexico provide decortication services with high standards of care, often at a fraction of the cost compared to the U.S.
  • Germany
    Germany is renowned for its rigorous medical standards and advanced healthcare technologies. Patients seeking decortication in Germany benefit from the expertise of skilled thoracic surgeons and excellent post-operative care, though at a higher cost compared to other destinations.

Risks & Considerations

  • Bleeding Risks: Decortication is a complex procedure that involves a risk of bleeding, as the fibrous tissue is carefully separated from the lung surface.
  • Infection: As with any surgery, there is a risk of infection, which can be managed with antibiotics and close monitoring in the post-operative phase.
  • Air Leaks: During the procedure, air leaks may occur from the lung tissue, which may require a chest tube for drainage until healing is complete.
  • Prolonged Recovery Time: Recovery from decortication can be lengthy, requiring weeks to months of rest and gradual reintroduction of physical activity.
  • Lung Function Challenges: Some patients may experience reduced lung function post-surgery, necessitating physical therapy or breathing exercises to regain full lung capacity.

How to Choose the Right Doctor and Hospital

When choosing a doctor and hospital for decortication, it is essential to select a surgeon with specialized training in thoracic surgery and experience with complex procedures. Checking credentials, patient testimonials, and the surgeon’s track record with similar cases can provide insight into their expertise. It’s beneficial to consult with multiple specialists if possible to ensure you receive the most informed guidance about your procedure.

Similarly, the choice of hospital should focus on those equipped with advanced surgical technology and a dedicated thoracic care team. Selecting a hospital known for its excellence in post-operative care, including facilities for respiratory therapy, can support a smoother and more comprehensive recovery process. Inquiring about the hospital’s infection rates and emergency response capabilities can also offer assurance regarding patient safety during and after the procedure.

To receive a free quote for this procedure please click on the link: https://www.medicaltourism.com/get-a-quote

Patients are advised to seek hospitals that are accredited by Global Healthcare and only work with medical tourism facilitators who are certified by Global Healthcare Accreditation or who have undergone certification from the Certified Medical Travel Professionals (CMTP). This ensures that the highest standards in the industry are met. GHA accredits the top hospitals in the world. These are the best hospitals in the world for quality and providing the best patient experience. Click the link to check out hospitals accredited by the Global Healthcare Accreditation: https://www.globalhealthcareaccreditation.com

Frequently Asked Questions

What actually happens during hyperstimulation of the ovaries?

The patient will take injectable FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) for eight to eleven days, depending on how long the follicles take to mature. This hormone is produced naturally in a woman’s body causing one egg to develop per cycle. Taking the injectable FSH causes several follicles to develop at once, at approximately the same rate. The development is monitored with vaginal ultrasounds and following the patient’s levels of estradiol and progesterone. FSH brand names include Repronex, Follistim, Menopur, Gonal-F and Bravelle. The patient injects herself daily.

What happens during egg retrieval?

When the follicles have developed enough to be harvested, the patient attends an appointment  where she is anesthetized and prepared for the procedure. Next, the doctor uses an ultrasound probe to guide a needle through the vaginal wall and into the follicle of the ovary. The thin needle draws the follicle fluid, which is then examined by an embryologist to find the eggs. The whole process takes about 20 minutes.

What happens to the eggs?

In the next step, the harvested eggs are then fertilized. If the sperm from the potential father, or in some cases, anonymous donor, has normal functionality, the eggs and sperm are placed together in a dish with a nutrient fluid, then incubated overnight to fertilize normally. If the sperm functionality is suboptimal, an embryologist uses Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection to inject a single sperm into a single egg with an extremely precise glass needle.  Once fertilization is complete, the embryos are assessed and prepared to be transferred to the patient’s uterus.

How are the embryos transferred back to the uterus?

The doctor and the patient will discuss the number of embryos to be transferred. The number of successfully fertilized eggs usually determines the number of eggs to be placed in the uterus. Embryos are transferred to the uterus with transabdominal ultrasound guidance. This process does not require anesthesia, but it can cause minor cervical or uterine discomfort. Following transfer, the patient is advised to take at least one days bed rest and two or three additional days of rest, then 10 to 12 days later, two pregnancy tests are scheduled to confirm success. Once two positive tests are completed, an obstetrical ultrasound is ordered to show the sac, fetal pole, yolk sac and fetal heart rate.

Embryoscope©

Built into this technology there is a microscope with a powerful camera that allows the uninterrupted monitoring of the embryo during its first hours of life. In this way, we can keep a close eye on the embryo, from the moment when the oocyte is inseminated and begins to divide into smaller and smaller cells, until it can be transferred to the uterus.

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