Definition

Thoracotomy is the process of making of an incision (cut) into the chest wall.

Purpose

A physician gains access to the chest cavity by cutting through the chest wall. Reasons for the entry are varied. Thoracotomy allows for study of the condition of the lungs, or removal of a lung or part of a lung, removal of a rib, and examination, treatment or removal of any organs in the chest cavity. Thoracotomy also gives access to the heart, esophagus, diaphragm and the portion of the aorta that passes through the chest cavity (thorax).

Lung cancer is the most common cancer for which a thoracotomy is necessary. Tumors and metastatic growths can be removed through the incision. A