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- The Department of Thoracic Surgery is a specialized medical unit focused on the surgical treatment of diseases and conditions affecting the organs within the thoracic cavity. These include the lungs, esophagus, mediastinum, chest wall, and diaphragm. Thoracic surgeons are highly trained professionals who diagnose, treat, and manage thoracic disorders using a wide range of surgical procedures.
- Key aspects and functions of the Thoracic Surgery Department 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 lung segment),
lobectomy (removal of a lung lobe), or pneumonectomy (removal of an entire lung). These surgeries aim to eliminate or control cancer spread 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, surgically remove diseased lungs, and place donor lungs. Post-transplant care and monitoring are also essential components of their responsibilities.
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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, accelerates 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 removing the diseased portion and reconstructing the esophagus using the patient's stomach or a section of the 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 acid from flowing back 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 for treating thymomas (tumors of the thymus) or myasthenia gravis, an autoimmune disorder. This procedure can be done via open surgery or minimally invasive approaches.
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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 necessary for diagnosis, tumor control, and symptom management.
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IV. Chest Wall and Diaphragm Surgery:
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Chest Wall Resection and Reconstruction: Thoracic surgeons may surgically resect affected portions of the chest wall due to tumors, trauma, or infections. Reconstruction techniques—such as prosthetic materials or muscle flaps—are used to restore chest wall integrity and function.
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Diaphragmatic Hernia Repair: Thoracic surgeons repair diaphragmatic hernias, where abdominal organs move into the chest cavity due to 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 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 advanced surgical interventions and evolving 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
To provide high-quality patient care, contribute to medical innovation through basic, translational, and clinical research, and educate medical students and residents to ensure an adequate supply of skilled surgeons for the future.
Our Vision
To be a national and international leader in thoracic surgery research, education, clinical care, and innovation.
