As I explained, thoracoplasty is not a cosmetic procedure.

Lily was on the point of having what might yet prove to be only the first stage of a thoracoplasty.

When the cavity was located in the apex of the lung, thoracoplasty could be performed.

There were fears that the chronic empyema, which the thoracoplasty had been expected to cure, would recur on the other side.

Another method, called extrapleural thoracoplasty, involved removal of portions of several ribs to collapse the chest wall.

Because thoracoplasty may lengthen the duration of surgery, patients may also lose more blood or develop complications from the prolonged anesthesia.

He also ventured into techniques such as neurorrhaphy, arthroplasty, prostatectomy, nephrectomy, hysterectomy, bone grafting, and thoracoplasty.

Treatment options are limited, but include supportive pulmonary care and surgical options (thoracoplasty and/or implantation of vertical expandable prosthetic titanium rib (VEPTR) devices).