Thoracic Surgery Unit is part of Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Chest Diseases Hospital in Kuwait. It provides a full coverage service to the state of Kuwait. Interventional Pulmonology unit also included recently. Here is a comprehensive list of general objectives:

1.⁠ ⁠Medical Knowledge

• Understand the anatomy and physiology of the thorax, including lungs, pleura, mediastinum, chest wall, trachea, and esophagus.

• Recognize the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic evaluation, and management of:

• Lung cancer and pulmonary nodules

• Benign and malignant pleural disease

• Pneumothorax, hemothorax, empyema

• Mediastinal masses and thymic disorders

• Chest wall tumors and deformities

• Tracheal and airway obstruction

• Esophageal diseases (e.g., cancer, achalasia, reflux disease)

• Understand the principles of lung resection: wedge resection, segmentectomy, lobectomy, and pneumonectomy.

• Be familiar with indications and contraindications for surgery, especially in high-risk patients.

2.⁠ ⁠Clinical Skills

• Conduct a thorough history and physical examination for patients with thoracic conditions.

• Interpret diagnostic studies, including:

• Chest X-ray and CT scan

• PET-CT, MRI, and endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS)

• Pulmonary function tests and arterial blood gases

• Formulate a differential diagnosis and treatment plan.

• Provide appropriate preoperative and postoperative care.

3.⁠ ⁠Technical Skills

• Demonstrate proficiency in basic thoracic procedures such as: Tube thoracostomy (chest tube placement), Thoracentesis and Bronchoscopy

• Perform major thoracic surgery procedures:

• Thoracotomy and VATS (Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery) for Benign and malignant lung, pleura, mediastinum diseases.

• Mediastinoscopy

• Lobectomy or segmentectomy

• Esophagectomy

• Chest wall resection and chest wall deformities reconstruction

• Understand and perform minimally invasive surgery procedures and basic robotic-assisted thoracic surgery.

• Tracheal resection and reconstruction

• Thymectomy

• Interventional pulmonary Procedures diag

• nostic and therapeutic like Ebus,EUS, cryotherapy, stents and navigational bronchoscopic biopsy by expert pulmonologist.

4.⁠ ⁠Perioperative Management

• Manage postoperative pain (e.g., thoracic epidural, intercostal blocks).

• Monitor for and manage complications: air leaks, pneumonia, arrhythmias, respiratory failure.

• Facilitate early mobilization and pulmonary rehabilitation.

5.⁠ ⁠Communication and Professionalism

• Communicate effectively with patients and families about diagnoses, surgical options, risks, and expected outcomes.

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including oncologists, pulmonologists, and radiologists.

• Demonstrate ethical and compassionate patient care.

• Provides training for Kuwait Surgical Board residents

6.⁠ ⁠Lifelong Learning and Quality Improvement

• Engage in evidence-based practice.

• Participate in morbidity and mortality (M&M) conferences and quality improvement initiatives.

• Critically appraise thoracic surgery literature .