Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

thoracotomies

Noun (plural)

/θɔːrəˈkɒtəmiːz/

Definition

A surgical procedure involving an incision into the chest wall.

Examples

A thoracotomy was performed to remove the tumor from the lung.
After a traumatic injury, the doctors opted for a thoracotomy to explore any damages to the organs.
The patient’s recovery from the thoracotomy required careful monitoring.

Meaning

Thoracotomies are performed to gain access to the thoracic organs for diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the heart, lungs, esophagus, and major blood vessels.