Thoracic surgery, sometimes called chest surgery, includes procedures performed by physicians called thoracic surgeons. These surgeons operate on the chest organs such as the lungs and esophagus. Most of these procedures are approached with a minimally invasive and/or robotic approach to reduce the risk of excess bleeding, scarring, discomfort, and to reduce the length of the patient’s hospital stay so they can heal more quickly in the comfort of home.
Thoracic surgery may be necessary to diagnose or repair conditions affecting the lungs and esophagus, including cancer, trauma, or pulmonary disease. The Independence Health System Heart, Lung & Vascular Institute, thoracic surgeons are skilled in all aspects of thoracic surgery, using minimally invasive techniques when possible. These complex operations are performed utilizing sophisticated computer-assisted technology.
Thoracic procedures and treatments include: