Thoracic Surgery at Helyos Center for Surgery and Rehabilitation

Provided thoracic surgery services

Thoracic surgeons at Helyos manage a wide array of conditions affecting the organs of the chest cavity, addressing both scheduled cases and acute emergencies.

Primary areas of operation include:

• Lung Surgery: surgical oncology for lung cancer, management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and bullous emphysema;
• Pneumothorax Treatment: emergency and definitive management of air accumulation in the pleural cavity that collapses the lung;
• Esophageal Operations: treatment for achalasia, strictures/stenosis, as well as benign and malignant esophageal tumors;
• Post-operative tracking and targeted rehabilitation of pulmonary function.

Treatment is performed by certified surgeons according to the latest medical protocols, with a firm emphasis on organ-preserving approaches wherever clinically viable. After surgery, each patient undergoes a structured, individualized respiratory and physical rehabilitation course.

When should you consult a thoracic surgeon?

The primary triggers for booking a consultation with a thoracic surgeon are clinical signs indicating pathologically affected organs within the chest cavity. These include:

• A chronic, unresolved cough, hemoptysis (coughing up blood), or unexpected changes in sputum characteristics;
• Chest pain that is unrelated to physical exertion or changes in posture;
• Shortness of breath (dyspnea) at rest or during minimal physical activity;
• Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) or a sensation of a lump behind the breastbone;
• Nodules, consolidations, or tumor masses detected during a CT scan or chest X-ray;
• A history of pneumothorax with subsequent recurrent episodes.

Timely diagnostic consultation is especially critical if an oncological pathology is suspected, as the overall complexity and success of the treatment heavily depend on the stage of the disease at detection.

Important! In case of a sudden, sharp pain in the chest, severe acute shortness of breath, or a feeling of suffocation, seek emergency medical attention immediately. The Helyos inpatient hospital and emergency surgery units function 24/7. Our private ambulance service 7-103 stands ready to respond round the clock.

Pre-operative diagnostics in thoracic surgery

Before undergoing any thoracic procedure, a complete evaluation of the patient's general status is conducted. The diagnostic workflow includes advanced instrumental and laboratory workups to carefully map the surgical scope and mitigate operative risks.

Thoracic Imaging and Visualization:

• Chest CT with AI support — precise identification of tumors, nodes, parenchymal lung changes, and detailed mapping of regional vasculature;
• Digital Fujifilm X-ray — rapid diagnosis of pneumothorax or pleural effusion, and primary screening of chest organ structures;
• Ultrasound (US) — evaluation of the pleura, pericardium, and adjacent large blood vessels.

Additional Testing and Workup:

• Laboratory testing — identification of inflammatory markers, tumor markers, and assessment of blood coagulation profiles;
• Bronchoscopy — direct endoscopic visualization of the trachea and bronchial tree with options for tissue biopsy collection.

A comprehensive diagnostic protocol allows the surgical team to map the procedure with maximum precision, lowering intraoperative risks and significantly speeding up the post-operative recovery timeline.