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Thoracic Surgery
Thoracic Surgery
Thoracic Surgeons treat problems that affect all organs in the chest
(thoracic) cavity. This includes not only the heart but also the lungs and
esophagus. Typically, we see patients afflicted with lung cancer, lung
infections, cancer of the esophagus, and various tumors in the chest cavity.
We use a variety of techniques to perform surgery for these problems. Some
patients will benefit from thoracoscopy to remove small tumors in the chest,
perform lung biopsy, or treat collapsed lungs. Other patients may require a
limited thoracotomy to remove infection around the lung following pneumonia
or biopsy masses in front of the heart. Patients who have enlarged lymph
nodes around the windpipe (trachea) may have mediastinoscopy to perform
biopsy through a one and one half inch incision in the neck. Removal of a
lobe of the lung for cancer (lobectomy) classically requires a thoracotomy.
Advances in lung cancer screening have brought many patients to surgery at
an earlier stage. These cancers may then be resected using a combination of
thoracoscopy and a small open thoracotomy incision (VATS-video assisted
thoracic surgery).
Many Thoracic Surgeons have chosen to focus on Cardiac Surgery and limit
their exposure to lung and esophageal surgery. At Desert Cardiothoracic
Surgeons we feel strongly about caring for all surgical problems that
involve organs in the chest. Lung problems commonly coexist with cardiac
conditions. Our constant exposure to the great vessels of the chest prepares
us well to deal with surprises encountered at surgery.
Patients with thoracic cancers benefit from a multidisciplinary approach to
their treatment. We commonly involve Pulmonologists (medical lung doctor),
Oncologists (cancer doctors), and Hospitalists (Internists who specialize in
hospital medicine) to help deliver treatment. This approach reduces hospital
stay, improves communication, and assures that the patient has access to the
best possible care.
The surgeons at Desert Cardiothoracic Surgeons would be happy to answer any
of your questions regarding Thoracic Surgery procedures. Feel free to
contact us anytime at (480) 844-2020. |
