[One hundred years of the Association of Surgeons in the Netherlands. IV. Thoracic surgery]

In the Netherlands, two disciplines are involved, in thoracic surgery. Firstly, general surgeons, since thoracic surgery initially consisted of surgical treatment for pulmonary tuberculosis, bronchiectasis and empyema. Once tuberculostatics became available, surgical treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis became less important and lung/thoracic operations were carried out primarily for lung cancer. Secondly, cardio-pulmonary surgeons (now known as 'cardiothoracic surgeons') also play a role in thoracic surgery. This discipline is also allowed to carry out heart surgery. Surgery for stage-I and -II lung cancer is the mainstay of the practice of general thoracic surgeons. Surgery after induction chemotherapy for stage-III tumours is under investigation to find out whether this will improve treatment results. Video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) is a most interesting development, and has led to the revival of volume-reduction surgery for lung emphysema. Education is of paramount importance in ensuring the quality of surgery. In the near future there will be a need for qualified thoracic surgeons in the Netherlands and organisational and financial measures should be taken to prevent a shortage.