Background: SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19), which was detected in December 2019, whose first cases were observed in Turkey on 11th March 2020. In the current paper, we present our experience and practices regarding thoracic surgery from the largest pandemic hospital in Europe over the 1-year period of the pandemic. Methods: Patients who were operated by our thoracic surgery clinic in the largest pandemic hospital in Europe between March 2020 and March 20121 in the Covid-19 pandemic in our country and in the world were evaluated retrospectively. Results: 85 patients were operated on during the 1-year pandemic, of which 54 (%63.5) were men and 31 (%36.5) were women. The mean patient age was 47,7. Morbidity rate was 12%. Covid-19 was not seen in any patient in our clinic during the postoperative period. Only one patient died out of those who underwent surgery. Conclusion: Thoracic surgery has one of the highest risks due to direct contact with the lungs, especially in terms of surgery and the postoperative period. We consider that this risk will be minimized by taking measures during all processes. Moreover, we think that surgical treatments should be delayed as little as possible due to the special status of oncology patients. In addition, considering that if all these rules are followed in the COVID-19 pandemic and in other types of pandemics that may occur in the future, there will be no delay or insufficiency in the treatment of patients and healthcare professionals will be able to work safely.

Sternal osteomyelitis and dehisense are a common problem with an incidence rate of 0.5% to 5.0% after major cardiac surgery. However, the management of separation of the sternum in the patient’s thorax remains a challenge for cardiac surgeons and thoracic surgeons using the incision. After cardiac surgery, postop sternal dehiscence and osteomyelitis was developed in the patient. The old steel wires were removed and the sternum was resected due to long-term infection and extensive deformation of the sternum. Pectoralis muscle flaps were partially mobilized and adducted. The large defect was closed using a large prolene patch. Proper sized transversal titanium plates were selected. Due to the sternum bone was severely destroyed by infection, longer transversal titanium plates were chosen to achieve thoracic stability. Healthy tissues were detected on the ribs. A total of 4 titanium plates were placed intermittently. The plates were fixed to the ribs with titanium locking screws. The pectoral muscle flaps adducted to the plates by the plastic surgery team. A total of 3 drains were placed, one in the mediastinum and two between the thoracic wall and muscle structures.