Thoracic Procedures

Our specialties include the following procedures. For a complete list, visit the About Our Program page.

VATS Surgery

VATS (video assisted thoracic surgery), also know as thoracoscopy, is a minimally invasive chest procedure to treat a variety of conditions within the chest.

VATS can be used for diagnoses of lung masses to determine if the mass is benign or cancerous, for curative removal/resection of lung cancer (lobectomy), to biopsy other masses in the chest as well as to treat recurrent fluid build up. 

VATS has shown to be less painful, have a shorter hospital stay, and quicker return to normal activity than the old fashioned open incision approach.

Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy

Removal of the esophagus for either cancer or benign disease can be a complex procedure. A minimally invasive technique has been developed to help decrease the degree of post operative pain, complications, and promote a quicker return to usual activity. 

Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy involves making three once inch incisions in the right chest to mobilize the esophagus, and 4 to 5 one inch incisions in the abdomen.

Most patients are home in about a week.