WHAT IS A STERNOTOMY?

Sternotomy is the name given to the surgical approach in which the sternum bone, also called the bone of faith, is cut open from the front of the chest before open heart and open lung surgeries. While almost all heart surgeries are performed in this way, it is rarely used in thoracic surgery\ pulmonary surgeries today compared to the past.

Within the scope of sternotomy, the patient is put to sleep under general anesthesia. A 20–25-centimeter vertical midline  incision ıs made on the sternum, After the completion of sternotomy operation, 1 or 2 chest tubes are inserted. This tube or tubes are left in the chest for a few days.

Patients may be followed up in the intensive care unit for one or a few days after lung surgery through sternotomy. Due to the large surgical area, patients may experience  pain after surgery. This pain is kept under control with medication. After the surgery, patients should try to walk and do breathing exercises to facilitate recovery.

Today, Single Port VATS, i.e., closed Lung Surgeries, are preferred in lung and thoracic surgery instead of open lung surgeries performed through sternotomy incisions. Open lung surgeries are performed very rarely, only in necessary cases.