Rib removal surgery, which is medically known as thoracoplasty, is a major medical procedure that carries significant risks. Thoracoplasty requires the removal of one or more ribs, typically in order to make space to allow the lungs to expand more easily.
While this procedure can have important benefits when carried out successfully, it also has a variety of risks that patients should be aware of.
The most common risks associated with rib removal surgery include: Infection, excessive bleeding, damage to the heart or lungs, nerve damage, pneumothorax (collapsed lung), infection in the chest wall, reaction to anaesthesia, and pulmonary embolism.
In addition, there are long-term risks associated with thoracoplasty, such as difficulty breathing, pain, restricted movement of the chest and back, and a build-up of fluid in the chest or lungs.
Before undergoing any type of operation, it is important to discuss all of the potential risks with your doctor and make sure you understand the implications. Furthermore, it is essential to have a thorough medical assessment and to make sure there are no underlying medical conditions that may increase the risk of any surgical procedure.
Table of Contents
What are the dangers of removing ribs?
Removing ribs is a serious medical procedure that carries a number of potential dangers. The most common risks associated with rib removal surgery include infection, damage to other organs or structures, excessive bleeding, and blood clots.
Additionally, due to the close proximity of the ribs to major blood vessels, there is a risk of major or even fatal blood loss. Other potential side effects include irregular heartbeat, nerve damage, collapsed lung, and, in rare cases, death.
In some cases, the surgery may not be successful and the ribs may not heal properly. This could lead to various conditions such as malunion, in which the ribs don’t heal in the correct alignment. Other risks of rib removal include scarring, pain, and psychological distress.
Emotional/psychological issues such as depression, anxiety, and stress are not uncommon after this type of surgery.
If you are considering rib removal surgery, it is important to discuss the potential risks and benefits with your doctor. The risks and potential complications should be carefully weighed against the potential benefits and the doctor should be able to provide an honest assessment of the situation.
How long is rib removal surgery?
Rib removal surgery, also known as rib resection, typically takes a few hours. This type of procedure is often performed to access the internal organs, such as the lungs and diaphragm, or to remove tumors or masses from the ribs.
The length of the surgery may vary depending on the complexity of the procedure, the patient’s health status, and the size of the tumor or mass being removed. Generally, a rib resection procedure includes several steps.
First, the surgeon makes an incision in the skin and divides the muscles to disclose the involved ribs. This is followed by removal of the affected ribs. The surgeon then carefully reconstructs the muscles and skin to close the incision.
Depending on the patient’s condition and the complexity of the procedure, rib removal surgery can range from two to four hours.
When should ribs be removed?
Ribs should be removed when they have been cooked through and become tender. To determine if they are done, the meat should be easily pulled away from the bone, the bone should be visible between each rib, and the internal temperature should be at least 145°F when measured with a food thermometer.
Additionally, the fat should be rendered and the ribs should have a nice, deep brown color. For larger slabs of ribs, it can take anywhere from 2. 5-3. 5 hours to cook them on the grill and up to 4 hours in the oven.
Can removing ribs make your waist smaller?
The answer to whether removing ribs can make your waist smaller is a bit complicated. In principle, yes, removing the ribs can make your waist smaller, as they are one of the bones that help to form the body’s shape and size.
However, the effects of rib removal on the size of one’s waistline do depend on the individual and their body composition, as well as the exact method used to remove the ribs.
Currently, some surgical procedures do exist that involve rib removal to make the waist smaller. These surgeries are typically performed to help treat severe cases of scoliosis, kyphosis, and lordosis, which are conditions causing abnormal curvature of the spine, as well as to reshape the body to look more appealing.
The procedure involves surgically removing multiple ribs, thereby removing some of the mass from the midsection, resulting in a slightly smaller waistline.
Given the complexities and potential risks associated with these surgical procedures, rib removal is not recommended for anyone attempting to simply achieve a smaller waistline, as there could be serious health consequences.
Furthermore, due to anatomical differences between individuals, there is no guarantee that your waistline will shrink as expected, especially with regard to the amount of shrinkage.
Therefore, it is best to work with a doctor to find other options rather than rib removal to help you achieve your desired waist size. Along with physical activity, a balanced diet, and a healthy lifestyle can help you manage your weight and body shape, and you can use a variety of clothing and accessories to further emphasize the shape of your midsection.
Why would someone need a rib removed?
Someone might need a rib removed due to injury, infection, or some sort of medical condition. For example, injuries or fractures to a rib can occur due to trauma such as car accidents, falls or physical contact sports.
Heavy weight lifting or repetitive motions can also cause stress fractures to a rib. This can be quite painful and require surgical intervention.
In some cases, infection of the rib can occur, such as in infected rib fractures. This can require antibiotics or even the removal of the rib if the infection is severe enough. Additionally, people with scoliosis, a condition in which the spine curves abnormally, can sometimes have a rib surgically removed in order to reduce the curvature of the spine.
Lastly, in rare cases, some tumors can form on or near the ribs. In these cases, surgeons may need to surgically remove the rib and surrounding tissue to ensure that all cancerous cells are gone.
How long do you stay in the hospital after rib surgery?
The amount of time one spends in the hospital after rib surgery depends on the complexity of the procedure and individual healing rates. Generally, a patient can anticipate a stay of up to a week in the hospital following rib surgery.
This amount of time allows the patient to heal and recover while being monitored by medical staff. During the hospital stay, the patient may receive medication to reduce pain and inflammation, physical therapy to help with mobility and strength, and regular evaluations by the medical staff to ensure progress with healing and recovery.
Following the hospital stay, a patient can anticipate up to six to eight weeks of follow-up visits to the doctor to evaluate healing and ensure complete recovery. In most cases, a patient should be able to return to regular activities within this period of time.
Can a person survive without ribs?
No, it is not possible for a person to survive without ribs. The ribs are essential for protecting vital organs, like the heart and lungs, from injury and for providing a method for the body to attach muscles for movement.
Ribs also limit the expansion of the lungs, helping to create a negative pressure gradient that pulls air into the lungs during inhalation. Without ribs, the lungs would expand too far and be unable to expel air.
In addition, the ribs provide the body with structural support and stability, helping the body to hold its shape. Loss of one or more ribs can create serious breathing, mobility, and stability issues, and may even be fatal.
What celebrity removed their ribs?
An American reality television personality/socialite and entrepreneur, Jenelle Evans, removed two of her ribs in 2015. She claimed that she removed them to help her waist look smaller for high-waisted clothing.
However, she was unable to provide any proof that she underwent the surgery. There have been rumors of other celebrities who removed ribs for similar reasons, though they have not been confirmed.
Do ribs grow back after surgery?
Yes, ribs do grow back after surgery. Depending on the surgery and its complexity, it can take anywhere from four to 12 months, on average, for the ribs to heal and regrow back to their pre-surgical size.
The healing process is gradual and depends on the size of the graft or flap used to replace the missing tissues. In general, it is important to allow the ribs to heal and grow back on their own by avoiding any kind of strenuous physical activity or exercise.
The area must be protected from further damage and regular check-ups with the doctor will be necessary to monitor the progress. Eating a healthy, balanced diet, rich in proteins can also aid in the rib’s healing process.
Do Broken ribs need to be removed?
No, broken ribs do not need to be removed. In fact, it is not recommended as that would cause more damage and leave the patient more vulnerable to infection. In some rare cases, if the fracture is considered to be too severe, a doctor may need to surgically remove a rib or part of a rib, but this is not typical for all cases of broken ribs.
Treatment for broken ribs usually involves rest, painkillers, and breathing exercises. An X-ray should be taken to confirm the diagnosis and the ribs should be taped or strapped up for several weeks.
Surgery is usually reserved for cases when the broken rib is causing a significant degree of pain or has the potential to cause nerve damage.
Can you live with missing ribs?
Yes, you can live with missing ribs. In certain situations, such as trauma, birth defect, or medical procedures, it may be necessary to remove ribs. Ribs are a set of bones located in the chest situated around the torso, and they protect vital organs.
While having ribs missing may create certain physical limitations, certain activities that involve strain on the body can be avoided to prevent any further complications.
In terms of day-to-day living, life doesn’t have to be dramatically different if you have missing ribs. Adequate nutrition and moderate exercise are key to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Eating a balanced diet with fresh vegetables, fruits, and lean protein can help ensure the body is receiving the vitamins and minerals it needs.
To keep the body strong, aim for moderate exercise like swimming, biking, or yoga.
Living with missing ribs may require some modifications to lifestyle due to physical limitations. However, with proper guidance from a physician or physical therapist, people can learn to utilize their strength in different ways.
Being proactive and taking preventative measures is the best way to keep the body in its healthiest state.
Is it healthy to remove a rib?
No, removing a rib is not healthy and is not recommended. Eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly and focusing on overall health is the best way to keep your body in healthy shape. Removing a rib can be dangerous, as the ribcage is an important structural component of the body that provides protection for your vital organs, including the heart and lungs.
Removing a rib could lead to serious complications and long-term damage, including pain, difficulties breathing, risk of infection, and in some cases death. Therefore, it is highly discouraged to remove a rib.
Can you remove your 12th rib?
No, it is not possible to remove a 12th rib. The 12th rib is part of the human body and is located in the lower back. It belongs to the group of twenty-four ribs that make up the rib cage. The ribs are the upper part of the human skeleton and form a protective cage between the chest and pelvis.
Unlike other bones, the ribs do not have the ability to heal after being removed, making it impossible to remove a 12th rib. Possible complications from removing a rib may include nerve damage, infection, and collapse of the chest wall.
In addition, the removal of the rib may interfere with the proper functioning of the organs that the rib helps protect. For these reasons, it is not recommended to remove a 12th rib.
How do doctors remove a rib?
Doctors typically remove a rib through a surgical procedure known as a thoracotomy. This procedure involves the doctor making an incision in the patient’s chest and then removing the affected rib. During the procedure, the doctor may need to remove some of the surrounding tissue, including some of the other ribs and muscles, in order to safely remove the rib being targeted.
The doctor may also need to reposition other ribs and muscles in order to provide more space for the rib removal. Once the rib is removed, the doctor will then close up the incision either with stitches, staples, or surgical glue.
After the procedure, patients typically stay in the hospital and receive pain medications, chest physiotherapy, and oxygen therapy to assist with their recovery. It usually takes a few days or weeks to fully heal from rib removal surgery.
