Thoracic Surgery: Comprehensive Care for Chest, Lung, and Esophageal Conditions

Thoracic surgery encompasses the diagnosis and surgical treatment of diseases affecting the organs within the chest, including the lungs, esophagus, trachea, chest wall, and diaphragm. At Western Surgical Group, a dedicated Thoracic Surgery Division provides comprehensive care for both malignant and benign conditions, emphasizing personalized treatment plans and collaborative care.

Understanding Thoracic Conditions

Conditions affecting the chest can significantly impact quality of life, causing symptoms like persistent cough, difficulty breathing, chest pain, or trouble swallowing. Diagnosis often involves detailed clinical evaluation and advanced imaging techniques to determine the most effective treatment path.

Conditions We Treat

Western Surgical Group’s Thoracic Surgery Division manages a broad spectrum of conditions, including:

• Lung Cancer: Early and accurate staging is crucial for effective treatment. Surgeons utilize the latest approaches to lung cancer surgery, working closely with oncology teams.
• Esophageal Disorders: This includes complications of esophageal reflux, strictures, and motility disorders, often requiring specialized surgical techniques.
• Mediastinal Masses: Abnormal growths in the mediastinum (the space between the lungs) are evaluated and treated.
• Chest Wall Abnormalities: Conditions affecting the chest wall are addressed with surgical intervention when necessary.
• Diaphragm Complications: Surgical solutions are provided for issues related to the diaphragm.
• Benign Diseases: Treatment for non-cancerous conditions impacting the thoracic region.

Diagnostic Approach

A thorough evaluation is the foundation of any surgical plan. This may include:

• Imaging studies (CT, PET, or MRI)
• Pulmonary function testing
• Endoscopic evaluation
• Biopsy (when appropriate)

These assessments help define the nature of the condition and guide the selection of the most appropriate surgical approach.

Surgical Techniques

Western Surgical Group offers a range of surgical techniques, including:

• Open Surgery: Traditional surgical approach.
• Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS): Minimally invasive technique utilizing small incisions and a camera.
• Other Minimally Invasive Techniques: Techniques designed to reduce pain, shorten hospital stays, and speed recovery.
• Esophagectomy: Surgical removal of all or part of the esophagus, often with a portion of the stomach Learn more about Esophagectomy.
• Transhiatal Esophagectomy: Removal of the esophagus through incisions in the neck and abdomen, avoiding opening the chest.
• Transthoracic Esophagectomy: Involves incisions in the chest and abdomen to access and remove the esophagus.

Multidisciplinary Care

Optimal patient care is achieved through collaboration with a multidisciplinary team, including pulmonologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists, and radiologists. This ensures a comprehensive and cohesive treatment plan.

Esophageal Stenosis Treatment

Esophageal stenosis, a narrowing of the esophagus, can make swallowing tough. Treatment options are tailored to the cause and severity of the narrowing. Learn more about Esophageal Stenosis.

Our Surgeons

The thoracic surgeons at Western Surgical Group are fellowship-trained and experienced in complex chest procedures, combining surgical expertise with collaborative, multidisciplinary care to deliver the highest standard of treatment.