Thoracotomy (intercostal)

Buy now to access the full article, existing subscribers login

Sections available in full article Introduction, Alternative techniques, Requirements, Personnel, Materials required, Aftercare, Immediate Aftercare, Long term Aftercare, Sequelae, Reasons for treatment failure, Sources, Publications, Vetstream contributor(s),
Contributors Dr Melvyn Pond BVMS MRCVS

Introduction

  • Exposure of a defined area of the thorax is required.

Uses

Advantages

  • Associated with minimal postoperative discomfort and complications.

Disadvantages

  • Only allows limited access to those structures further cranial or caudal from the exposed field.

Requirements

Materials required

Minimum equipment

  • Standard surgical kit Surgical instruments.
  • Thoracotomy instruments.
  • Method of ventilating patient during procedure.

Minimum consumables

  • Irrigation solution.
  • Suture. (3.5-4 M polyproylene, vicryl for subcuticular sutures.)
  • Drain.
  • Needle/syringe.
  • Local anesthetic.

Sequelae

Reasons for treatment failure

  • Dependant upon the problem being treated.
  • Hyperventilation.
  • Hypoxemia.
  • Hypothermia.
  • Hemorrhage.
  • Acid-base imbalance.

Sources

Publications

  • Wagner A E et al(1998) Monitoring adequacy of ventilation by capnometry during thoracotomy in dogs. JAVMA 212 (3), 377-379.

Sample content only, to unlock the full article login or buy now

Loading...