Thoracic surgery

Our highly specialized thoracic surgeons are leaders in in lung and esophageal tumors and diseases. We use a multidisciplinary approach in coordination with the Lung Mass and Cancer Multispecialty Team to provide individualized comprehensive care plans.

This multidisciplinary team includes thoracic surgeons, pulmonologists, radiologists, medical oncologists, pathologists, and nurse coordinators.

Our expertise includes minimally invasive technology in our procedures to help patients recover quicker. The majority of thoracic and mediastinal surgery at Spectrum Health is performed utilizing the Da vinci XI surgical robot. 

Surgical expertise is available to patients in need of diagnostic and treatment services for benign and malignant disease of the lung, esophagus, mediastinum and chest wall.

VATS is performed within the chest cavity using a camera and specialized instruments, often with incisions less than 0.5’’ in size.

Beginning in 2006, robotic-assisted VATS improved 3-dimensional imaging, magnification, and precise control of specialized instruments. 

Both VATS and robotic-assisted VATS offer patients:

• Smaller incisions compared to open surgery
• A shorter length of stay 
• Decreased rate of complications 
• Quicker recovery 
• Improved quality of life