The best replacement for thoracotomy is thoracostomy.

The best alternatives to thoracotomy are rated as following:
★★★★★  thoracostomy
★★★  lobectomy
★★  thoracoscopy
★★  sternotomy
★  vats
★  thoracentesis
★  thoracoplasty
  thoracotomy

Your alternative for thoracotomy is not listed? Suggest!
Speaking about thoracotomy, one probably shouldn't forget about vats.

Other search terms related to thoracotomy and their ratings are:
★★★★★ vats
pericardial window
chest tube
You have in mind a companion for thoracotomy and it is not yet here? Propose!



Google Trends

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thoracotomy
thoracostomy
lobectomy