Cardiothoracic Surgery is the surgical treatment which is performed in the diseases which affect the heart and the lungs. It treats the disorders of the blood vessels too along with the heart and the lungs. It is generally performed only in patients who are at least of 18 years. Repairing or replacing of heart valves, coronary arterial bypass grafting, heart transplantations, repairing of congenital heart defects, thoracic aorta surgery and minimal invasion heart surgery fall under it.

A general surgeon who is specially trained for cardiothoracic surgery can perform this surgery. General thoracic surgery is a part of the cardio thoracic surgery because it covers the treatment of the diseases found in the esophagus and the lungs. Most widespread areas covered by it are the treatment of lung cancer and chest trauma.

Pericardium heart and disorders are also encompassed by cardiothoracic surgery. The patient is administered general anesthesia for the surgery. He is instructed to stop his food intake at least 10-12 hours prior to the surgery. At times a sedative may be given to relax him and IV, or intravenous drip may also be given. The thoracotomy patient may have to be hospitalized for a week or so.