Quality and Cost in Thoracic Surgery
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 27, 2026

Low-Cost Single-Port LoCoSP Device for a Transcervical Approach in Minimally Invasive Transhiatal Esophagectomy
Published on: September 11, 2021
Rachel L Medbery1, Seth D Force1
1Section of General Thoracic Surgery, The Emory Clinic, Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine, 1365 Clifton Road, Northeast, Building A, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
Abstract:
The value of health care is defined as health outcomes (quality) achieved per dollars spent (cost). The current national health care landscape is focused on minimizing spending while optimizing patient outcomes. With the introduction of minimally invasive thoracic surgery, there has been concern about added cost relative to improved outcomes. Moreover, differences in postoperative hospital care further drive patient outcomes and health care costs. This article presents a comprehensive literature review on quality and cost in thoracic surgery and aims to investigate current challenges with regard to achieving the greatest value for our patients.
Related Concept Videos
Pneumothorax-II
Clinical Manifestations:
Endoscopic Studies II: Thoracocentesis
Description
Excess pleural fluid or air may accumulate in some respiratory disorders in the thoracic cavity. To treat pleural effusion, a physician conducts thoracentesis by carefully piercing the chest wall and entering...
Endoscopic Studies I: Bronchoscopy and Thoracoscopy
Bronchoscopy
Description
Bronchoscopy is a procedure that involves direct visualization of the larynx, trachea, and bronchi for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. A flexible fiber optic or rigid bronchoscope is used to carry out the procedure. The fiber-optic bronchoscope is more frequently used due...
Flail Chest-II
Assessment:
1. Clinical Evaluation:
History:
The Thoracic Cage: Ribs
Parts of a Typical Rib
A typical rib has a head, neck, and body. The posterior end of the rib is called the head, followed by a narrow neck. The head articulates primarily with the costal...
Pressure Relationships in Thoracic Cavity
Breathing Mechanisms
Both intra-alveolar and intrapleural pressures rely on specific lung properties. The ability to breathe—allowing air to enter the lungs...

