Emergency

Thoracic surgery

Conditions affecting the lungs, the chest wall or the pleura require specialist surgical assessment. The Thoracic Surgery Department at Zuger Kantonsspital covers this full range of conditions. Wherever possible, we use minimally invasive techniques, making use of a few small incisions rather than a large opening in the chest. The same team will look after you from the initial assessment right through to your follow-up care.

+41 41 399 47 70+41 41 399 47 01chirurgie@zgks.ch

What is thoracic surgery?

Thoracic surgery is the surgical speciality dealing with conditions affecting the chest. It encompasses the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the chest wall, the pleura, the lungs and the mediastinum. This is the space between the two lungs. With increasing specialisation within the field of surgery, thoracic surgery has developed into a distinct speciality.

Minimally invasive surgery: thoracoscopy

During a thoracoscopy – commonly known as ‘keyhole surgery’ – we insert a camera and fine instruments into the chest via a few small incisions. This allows us to take tissue samples from the lungs, pleura or lymph nodes, whilst at the same time treating conditions such as a collapsed lung (pneumothorax) or a malignant pleural effusion.

For you, this procedure generally means less post-operative pain, smaller scars and a shorter recovery time compared to open surgery. Which procedure is suitable in each individual case depends on the findings. We will discuss the options and their limitations with you in advance.

Lung cancer: surgery by an interdisciplinary team

We are also increasingly performing the removal of a lung lobe for lung cancer using thoracoscopy. We determine the procedure in advance together with the specialists from our oncology and pulmonology departments.

In complex cases, we work closely with the Luzerner Kantonsspital as our referral centre. This means that patients in the canton of Zug receive specialist treatment close to home, with a direct link to a university centre should the situation require it.

Your journey from referral to aftercare

The process usually begins with a referral from your GP or from another specialist department. Following the initial assessment – often involving imaging carried out by our Institute of Radiology – we will discuss the planned procedure, the expected course of treatment and your aftercare with you. Our thoracic surgery team will support you throughout your entire treatment journey.

Services

  • Thoracoscopy or open surgery of complex pleurisy
  • Lung cancer surgery
  • Minimally invasive biopsy of lung and pleura by thoracoscopy for diagnostic purposes
  • Mediastinoscopy to evaluate and take biopsies of the mediastinum
  • Thoracoscopy treatment of pathological sweating from hands and armpits
  • Surgical stabilisation of complex rib fractures or pseudoarthrosis

Further Information

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is thoracic surgery?

Thoracic surgery is the surgical speciality dealing with conditions affecting the chest. This includes procedures on the lungs, the pleura, the chest wall and the mediastinum. At Zuger Kantonsspital, these procedures are carried out using minimally invasive techniques wherever possible.

What is a thoracoscopy?

During a thoracoscopy, we insert a camera and fine instruments into the chest through a few small incisions. This allows us to take tissue samples and treat conditions without having to make a large incision in the chest.

Is surgery always required for a pneumothorax?

No. A minor pneumothorax may resolve on its own whilst under observation. Larger or recurrent pneumothoraxes are often treated using thoracoscopy. We will decide on the most appropriate course of action together with you once the assessment has been completed.

How long will I stay in hospital after lung surgery?

The length of your stay depends on the procedure, the findings and how your recovery progresses. Your treatment team will discuss the expected course of events with you before the procedure.

Who treats lung cancer at Zuger Kantonsspital?

Treatment is provided on an interdisciplinary basis: thoracic surgery, oncology, respiratory medicine and radiology work together to coordinate the approach. In complex cases, we collaborate with Luzerner Kantonsspital as our specialist centre.