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- The Department of Thoracic Surgery is a specialized medical discipline focused on the surgical treatment of diseases and conditions affecting the organs within the thoracic cavity. This includes the lungs, esophagus, mediastinum, chest wall, and diaphragm. Thoracic surgeons are highly trained professionals who perform various surgical procedures to diagnose, treat, and manage thoracic diseases.
- Some of the key aspects and functions of the Department of Thoracic Surgery include:
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I. Lung Surgery:
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Lung Resection: Thoracic surgeons perform lung resection procedures to remove lung tumors such as lung cancer or metastatic lesions. This may include segmentectomy (removal of a specific segment of the lung), lobectomy (removal of one lobe), or pneumonectomy (removal of an entire lung). These surgeries aim to eliminate or control the spread of cancer and restore lung function.
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Lung Transplantation: Thoracic surgeons play a critical role in lung transplantation procedures for patients with end-stage lung disease. They evaluate candidates for transplantation, perform the surgical removal of diseased lungs, and place donor lungs. Post-transplant care and monitoring are also essential responsibilities in this process.
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Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS): Thoracic surgeons use minimally invasive techniques such as VATS to perform lung surgeries. VATS involves making small incisions and using a video camera and specialized instruments to access and operate on the lungs. This approach reduces pain, promotes faster recovery, and results in smaller scars compared to traditional open surgery.
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Esophagectomy: Thoracic surgeons perform esophagectomy to remove part or all of the esophagus affected by cancer, strictures, or other conditions. This procedure may involve removal of the diseased portion of the esophagus followed by reconstruction using a segment of the patient’s stomach or intestine.
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Anti-Reflux Surgery: Thoracic surgeons may perform anti-reflux procedures such as fundoplication to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). These surgeries aim to strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter and prevent the backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus.
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III. Mediastinal Surgery:
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Thymectomy: Thoracic surgeons perform thymectomy to remove the thymus gland, commonly used in the treatment of thymomas (tumors of the thymus) or myasthenia gravis, an autoimmune disease. This procedure can be performed through open surgery or minimally invasive techniques.
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Mediastinal Tumor Resection: Thoracic surgeons remove tumors that develop in the mediastinum, the space between the lungs. These tumors may include thymomas, lymphomas, germ cell tumors, or neurogenic tumors. Surgical resection is often required for diagnosis, tumor control, and management of associated symptoms.
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IV. Chest Wall and Diaphragm Surgery:
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Chest Wall Resection and Reconstruction: Thoracic surgeons may perform surgical resection of portions of the chest wall affected by tumors, trauma, or infections. Reconstruction techniques, including the use of prosthetic materials or muscle flaps, may be used to restore the structural integrity and function of the chest wall.
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Diaphragmatic Hernia Repair: Thoracic surgeons repair diaphragmatic hernias, which occur when abdominal organs protrude into the chest cavity through a defect in the diaphragm. Surgical intervention aims to reposition the abdominal contents and close the diaphragmatic defect.
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V. Research and Collaboration: Thoracic surgeons actively engage in research activities to advance the field of thoracic surgery. They contribute to clinical studies, develop innovative surgical techniques, and explore new treatment approaches to improve patient outcomes. They also collaborate with other specialists—such as pulmonologists, oncologists, and radiologists—to provide multidisciplinary care for patients with thoracic diseases.
- The Department of Thoracic Surgery plays a vital role in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of diseases affecting the thoracic cavity. Through advancements in surgical interventions and techniques, thoracic surgeons aim to improve patient outcomes, enhance quality of life, and provide comprehensive care for individuals with thoracic disorders.
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Our Mission
Our mission is to provide high-quality patient care, contribute to medical innovation through basic research, translational research, and clinical outcome studies, and educate medical students and residents to ensure an adequate supply of competent surgeons for the future.
Our Vision
To be a national and international leader in thoracic surgery research, education, clinical care, and innovation.
