or pyothorax (thoracic empyema, an accumulation of pus in a cavity of the body—which can result in chronic inflammation of the mediastinum and impermeability to pleural fluid). The decision as ...

The sixth rib is removed to provide access, and the space between the lung and chest cavity is carefully dissected—a process ... The pleura now can be moved from the mediastinum. Once the upper ...

Cardiothoracic surgeons, by contrast, operate on more diseases in organs in the chest and in the chest cavity. In most cases, your primary care doctor will refer you to a thoracic surgeon if ...