Thoracic surgery includes the lungs, esophagus, and chest cavity. Common procedures include esophagectomy, lung removal (wedge resection, lobectomy, pneumonectomy), lung volume reduction (for COPD), and bronchoscopy. Please note, not all Interior Health hospitals are equipped to provide all types of thoracic procedures; discuss with your physician for more information. Learn more about surgery in Interior Health. For information regarding cancer-related surgery, please refer to the BC Cancer Website.

Resources

Esophagectomy Patient Education Booklet

Esophagectomy Patient Education Booklet

Surgical Checklist

Surgical Checklist

Bronchoscopy Patient Information

Bronchoscopy Patient Information

Discharge Information Following Thoracic Surgery

Discharge Information Following Thoracic Surgery

Esophagectomy Surgery Patient Information

Esophagectomy Surgery Patient Information

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there pre-service instructions for the patient

Yes. You will be contacted by a pre-surgical nurse and an anesthesiologist prior to your surgery date.

Is a referral required?

Yes. Referral by physician or emergency department physician.

Is there a cost?

For residents of BC most procedures are covered under the Medical Services Plan (MSP). There may be additional charges for medical services in some cases.

Do I need a ride home?

Yes. You are considered legally impaired for 24 hours and can not operate a vehicle.

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