Surgical removal of ribs, allowing the chest wall to move inward and collapse a diseased lung. (Dorland, 28th ed)
Ribs
A set of twelve curved bones which connect to the vertebral column posteriorly, and terminate anteriorly as costal cartilage. Together, they form a protective cage around the internal thoracic organs.
Scoliosis
An appreciable lateral deviation in the normally straight vertical line of the spine. (Dorland, 27th ed)
Pneumonectomy
The excision of lung tissue including partial or total lung lobectomy.