Thoracic Surgery in Russian Federation

Thoracic surgery is the branch of medicine that focuses on the surgical treatment of diseases affecting organs inside the thorax (chest), including the lungs, trachea, and esophagus. Physicians who specialize in this field are called thoracic surgeons. As well as performing surgery, they also diagnose and treat diseases of the chest organs. However, thoracic surgeons generally do not perform surgery for conditions affecting the heart and the major vessels in the chest as these operations are performed by cardiac surgeons. Some of the most common diseases that thoracic surgeons can diagnose and treat are as follows:

• Lung cancer
• Benign diseases and tumors of the lung
• Emphysema
• Benign esophageal diseases, including benign tumors, strictures, and achalasia
• Esophageal cancer
• Gastroesophageal reflux
• Mediastinal tumors and diseases
• Pleural diseases
• Pulmonary fibrosis
• Mesothelioma
• Chest wall tumors
• Hyperhidrosis
• Diaphragm paralysis

Thoracic surgeons are trained and qualified to perform a wide range of surgical procedures, including:

• Airway reconstruction
• Carinal reconstruction
• Chest reconstruction
• Bleb resection
• Chest wall resection
• Tracheal resection
• Bronchoscopy
• Collis-Belsey fundoplication
• Esophagectomy
• Lung volume reduction surgery
• Lung transplant
• Hiatal hernia repair
• Lung cancer screening
• Mediastinotomy
• Mediastinoscopy
• Pneumectomy
• Tracheostomy
• Thoracotomy
• Tracheal stenting
• Pleurectomy
• Lobectomy
• Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM)
• Pectus excavatum surgery
• Nuss procedure
• Nissen fundoplication
• Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy
• Diaphragmatic hernia repair.

These surgical procedures can be performed with either an open surgical procedure (called thoracotomy) or minimally invasive techniques. Thoracotomy may be performed when it is necessary to see large portions of the inner chest cavity or the lung. 

How Long Should I Stay in Russian Federation?

Since most thoracic surgeries are major, it is generally advisable that you stay in Russian Federation for about six weeks before you travel home to avoid complications. In certain cases, however, you may be allowed to go home within 14 days. During your stay, you may need to attend follow-up checkups where your surgeon monitors your healing and will remove your surgical stitches, if necessary. 

What's the Expected Recovery Time?

The total recovery time after thoracic surgery can take between six to twelve weeks, depending on the type of surgery you have. However, you should be able to return to some of your normal routines, such as housework or work (if your job is not physically demanding), within two to six weeks following your surgery. Your medical team will be able to advise you on the likely length of recovery for your specific surgery.

What Aftercare is Required?

Your surgical team will give you instructions on how to care for yourself at home. The instructions may include exercises to help your breathing and posture, ways to monitor infections, and how to care for your wounds. You may need to change your lifestyle after surgery, such as quit smoking (if you smoke), eat a well-balanced diet, and exercise regularly. You may need to attend regular checkups, but you can do the checkups at home with your local doctor. 

What's the Success Rate?

Thoracic surgery is always evolving and advancing. With continuous research, the thoracic surgeon now has a better and broader understanding of the organs inside the thorax. They can also use new techniques and technology to perform the surgery. Today, much of thoracic surgery is done minimally invasively by using small incisions, a thin camera, and high definition monitors (video-assisted thoracic surgery) or with using a machine (robot-assisted thoracic surgery). These technological advances have increased the availability, safety, and success rate of thoracic surgery. 

Are there Alternatives?

If your doctor decided that you need surgery to treat your condition, there is no other alternative than seeing a thoracic surgeon. However, if you do not want to undergo surgery, it is best that you consult your doctor about an alternative.

Thoracic Surgery in and around Russian Federation

The Russian Federation, or Russia, is a transcontinental country that stretches over a vast expanse of Eastern Europe and northern Asia. Once a mighty tsarist empire and a communist superpower, this massive country is enigmatic, intimidating, and fascinating all at the same time. It has everything, from the idyllic countryside and historic cities to scenic beauty and artistic riches. Today, Russia is a famous medical tourism destination. The number of medical tourists seeking high-quality healthcare continues to double each year. These medical tourists mainly come from Asian countries, such as China, South Korea, India, Japan, and Vietnam. They come to receive a wide range of medical care, with IVF treatment, dental services, cosmetic surgery, and cardiovascular surgery being the most sought-after.

Popular Parts of the Russian Federation

Most visitors are drawn to the western part of the country, particularly to Moscow and St. Petersburg. Moscow, the capital of Russia, is popular for its show-stopping architecture, rich history, amazing culture, and great food. Some of the most famous landmarks are the St. Basil’s Cathedral, the Red Square and the Lenin Mausoleum, the Moscow Kremlin, The Tretiakov Gallery, and the Wooden Palace of Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich. St. Petersburg, Russia’s second city and imperial capital, is one of the most gracious cities in Europe. People come to this city to visit the State Hermitage Museum, the Grand Palace, and Catherine Park.

Weather and Climate in the Russian Federation

There are four seasons in Russia. December to February are the winter months, which is cold and snowy, with short days and long nights. The average temperature during this season is around -10°C to 3°C. Spring comes in March, bringing warmer, but rainy weather. Summer, from June to August, is hot and humid, with an average temperature of around 12°C to 26°C. The weather can be quite unpredictable in the summer, and downpours can come unexpectedly. Autumn is from September to October and is warm and pleasant.

Getting around in the Russian Federation

The largest airport in Russia that receive the most international flights is Sheremetyevo Alexander S. Pushkin International Airport in Moscow. It serves both domestic and international flights to many cities around the globe. Since Russia is the world’s largest territory, internal flights are the fastest and most convenient way to get around. Trains have an extensive network, and, with many comfortable overnight services, is considered as the best way to get around. Buses are a great option to travel to the areas not covered by the train. Some really remote destinations may only be reached by private cars or taxis. Taxis are relatively inexpensive and widely available.

Tourist Visas in the Russian Federation

Nationals of 62 nations, including Brazil, South Africa, South Korea, North Macedonia, and Hong Kong, can visit and stay in Russia without a visa for a period of 14 to 90 days. Citizens of other countries not listed in the visa exemption agreement need a visa to enter. Electronic visas are available for citizens of several countries, including all EU countries, China, and India.

Additional Information

1. Local Currency: Russian uses the Russian ruble (RUB) as its official currency. 1 USD is equivalent to 77.16 RUB. 
2. Money & Payments: The easiest way to get rubles is by using ATMs, which is available throughout the country. Major credit and debit cards, including MasterCard and Visa, are accepted in larger hotels and restaurants, but cash is more reliable. Some places may offer to accept euros and dollars, but this is illegal. Tipping is expected, around 10% to 15% of the bill. Always tip in cash and give it directly to the waiter.
3. Local Language: There are over 100 minority languages spoken in Russia, but the official and most widely spoken language is Russian. English is spoken to some degree, especially in major cities.
4. Local Culture and Religion: Most of Russia’s population adheres to Christianity, with the Russian Orthodox Church being the biggest Christian denomination. There are also small groups of Muslims, Buddhists, and Jewish.
5. Public holidays: New Year’s Day, Orthodox Christmas Day, Defender of the Fatherland Day, Victory Day, Russia Day, and Unity Day are some of the most important public holidays in Russia.