pulmonary disorders
Thoracotomy
Procedure for Thoracotomy
Three basic approaches are used: Limited anterior or lateral thoracotomy: A 6- to 8-cm intercostal incision is made to approach the anterior structures. Posterolateral thoracotomy: The posterolateral approach gives access to pleurae, hilum, mediastinum, and the entire lung. Sternal splitting incision (median sternotomy): When access to both lungs is desired, as in lung volume reduction surgery, a sternal splitting incision is used. 