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.

Stories@IH

Read our latest stories

4 Minute Read
Community & Culture

Meghan Johnston became a registered psychiatric nurse after watching people struggle to navigate the health-care system and witnessing the barriers they faced.

4 Minute Read
Health & Wellness

Jasmine Mingaud found relief and stability after connecting with the Central Okanagan PCN where a team helped her manage chronic pain and life challenges.

4 Minute Read
Community & Culture

Behind every appointment, lab test and medical imaging test are a complex set of processes. A small but mighty team is transforming how that work gets done.

3 Minute Read
Community & Culture

March 31 marks National Indigenous Languages Day, a day to celebrate and honour Indigenous languages in Canada and the voices of the land..

4 Minute Read
Community & Culture

Sully is a certified therapy dog who, with his handler Mike, visits patients and staff at RIH bringing comfort and moments of joy to those who need it most.

4 Minute Read
Community & Culture

Inspired by her patients and colleagues and driven by a desire to make a difference in people’s lives, Kaitlyn finds daily meaning in her work in pharmacy.

STAY CONNECTED

Receive news, alerts, public service announcements and articles right to your inbox.

mail