Thoracic Surgery
MyMichigan Health is your go-to place for advanced expertise in thoracic surgery. We offer the latest diagnostic and treatment technology and the brightest medical talent to ensure the latest treatment is available.
Thoracic surgery involves the organs of the chest, which includes the trachea, airways, lungs esophagus, chest wall and diaphragm.
MyMichigan Health performs all aspects of general, and minimally invasive thoracic surgery, including pulmonary, esophageal, tracheal, mediastinal and chest wall surgery. We perform minimally invasive lobectomy and esophagectomy for cancer, minimally invasive surgery for reflux/hiatal hernia, minimally invasive surgery for esophageal motility disorders (achalasia), as well as robotic approaches to thoracic surgical procedures. The thoracic surgeon performs interventional bronchoscopic and endoscopic procedures EBUS, EUS, Navigational Bronchoscopies, airway and tracheal stents, and esophageal stents.
The MyMichigan Difference
At MyMichigan Health, thoracic surgery is part of the comprehensive cancer team that includes experienced specialty physicians offering cancer-fighting innovations in an environment designed for the patients’ comfort and convenience.
Our team of specialists include surgical oncologists, thoracic surgeons, breast surgeons, colorectal surgeons, an orthopedic oncology surgeon and general surgeons. Personalized attention, hope and support through a difficult time is given by our oncology navigators, allowing you to take control of your care by guiding you and answering questions throughout your diagnosis and treatment.
Thoracic surgery procedures may be performed with either minimally invasive techniques or an open surgical procedure called a thoracotomy. A thoracotomy is necessary to see large portions of the lung or inner chest cavity.
Thoracic Procedures
Bronchoscopy
A bronchoscopy is a procedure that looks at the lungs or air passages. Multiple interventions can be performed during the bronchoscopy procedure including dilation of airway, airway stent, photo dynamic therapy, endo bronchial ultrasound and biopsies.
Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)
An upper endoscopy, commonly referred to as an EGD, is a procedure used to examine the esophagus and the lining, the stomach and part of the upper intestine called the duodenum. The provider uses a small flexible camera called an endoscope which has its own lens and light cord, to project the image onto a video monitor.
Laparoscopic
Laparoscopic surgery or laparoscopy is a surgical technique were small incisions are made in the abdomen, typically less than 1 cm in length, small tubes called trocars are introduced into the abdomen to maintain the opening. Then instruments and a camera are placed allowing a variety of procedures to be done laparoscopically.
Video Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS)
A VATS surgery is a minimally invasive surgical technique used to diagnose and treat problems in the chest. A small camera and surgical instruments are inserted through three small incisions through the chest wall into the chest. The camera transmits images of the inside of your chest onto a video monitor, guiding the surgeon in performing the procedure. A variety of procedures are performed utilizing this technique.
