Thoracic Surgery

• Trachea: The windpipe that connects the voice box (larynx) to the lungs
• Esophagus: The food pipe that connects the throat to the stomach
• Lungs: The two organs in the chest that help you breathe
• Pleura:Lining of the lung
• Mediastinum: The space between the lungs that contains the heart, esophagus and trachea
• Chest wall: The bone, fat and tissue cage around the organs in the chest
• Trachea (airways leading to the lungs)
• Spine surgery

Our Approach to Thoracic Surgery

At Sengkang General Hospital, we offer latest techniques, specialised facilities and a commitment to making surgery safer, faster and more effective.

Our surgeries are performed invasively with video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). This procedure is less invasive than traditional lung surgery which requires a thoracotomy incision. The surgery requires a few small incisions (each usually about 2cm or less) whereby the surgeon will place a small tube containing a camera through one of the incisions. This allows the surgeon to view the lungs on a video monitor.

The team also specialised in 3D surgery to perform procedures with smaller incisions, better outcomes, less blood loss and faster recovery. Each member of our surgical team undergoes rigorous surgical training, giving them the experience and skill to perform safe, effective surgeries.

Our Clinical Services

Pain or problems in your lungs, esophagus and digestive tract can make it challenging to do routine activities, such as swallowing or breathing. Our team of thoracic surgeons treats these conditions, including:

Lung

• Lung cancer
• Lung nodules
• Lung metastases (ie, cancer that has spread to the lung)
• Emphysema / giant bullae
• Infections requiring surgery (eg. Aspergilloma)
• Congenital abnormalities requiring surgery (eg. Pulmonary sequestration)

Pleura (lining of the lung)

Various conditions can arise in the lining of the lungs that may require the attention of a thoracic surgeon or specialist. Some of these conditions include:

• Pneumothorax
• Pleural effusion
• Empyema
• Hemothorax
• Mesothelioma

Mediastinum (space between the lungs in front and behind the heart)

SKH’s team of thoracic surgeons are able to help you with the following conditions:

• Mediastinal masses
• Mediastinal lymphadenopathy
• Myasthenia gravis

Chest wall (ribcage)

The chest wall, otherwise known as the ribcage, can be a place for various tumours and conditions to arise. These can be serious if left untreated. Our team of thoracic surgeons and specialists can assist you with conditions such as:

• Chest wall tumors
• Rib fractures
• Pectus excavatum

Sympathetic chain (nerves that run behind the lung)

The sympathetic chain is a paired bundle of nerve fibres that runs from the base of the skull to the coccyx. Our thoracic surgery clinic can offer treatments for:

• Palmar/axillary hyperhidrosis (sweaty palms and armpits)

Trachea (airway leading to the lungs)

Commonly known as the windpipe, the trachea splits into two airways: the left and right bronchi, which lead to the two lungs. If you are suffering from one of the following tracheal conditions, our thoracic clinic can help.

• Tracheal tumors
• Tracheal stenosis

Our Care Team