Non-Lung Cancer Thoracic Surgery Flashcards
what is a lung abscess?
it is a collection of pus composed of neutrophils and bacteria and tissue fluid.
name some common causes of lung abscesses
> aspiration > pneumonia > PTE > Lung cancer > Septic emboli
what occurs during empyema nescessatans?
the empyema discharges through the skin
what is empyema thoracis?
this is pus in the pleural space
what can an empyema follow?
> pneumonia
operation
trauma
osteomyelitis: rupture of the oesophagus caused by vomiting on a spasming sphincter so it enters the pleural space
how is an empyema dealt managed?
chest drain is inserted allowing the lung to re-expand.
what is pleurectamy?
the visceral plauera is removed by peeling, this will heal though is less effective in older people.
what is decortation?
the layer of thickened pleura (visceral/parietal) is removed
name some thymic tumours
> thyoma > thumolipoma > thymic carcinoma > carcinoid tumours of the thymus > lymphoma
why do thymic tumour need to be removed as soon as possible?
they have malignant potentials and can invade locally
name some benign lung tumours
> Hamartoma > Fibroma > Lipoma > Neural Tumours > Papillomas > Chondroma > carcinoid
why should benign tumours be removed?
they can take over the lung tissue and cause death
when would a primary pneumothorax be operated on?
if it happens more than once or if they have a certain job such as a pilot
what sixe would an abnormal problematic bulla be?
over 2 cm
what happens if the hole in a open pneumothorax is bigger than 2cm?
air will enter from here as it is bigger than the trachea. an air tight seal must be made or death will follow
