Thoracic Surgery

Saint Vincent Hospital’s thoracic surgery division specializes in using robotic-assisted surgical techniques to manage even the most complex cancers and other conditions that involve the lungs, esophagus, trachea, diaphragm and mediastinum, as well as the surrounding chest area.

We offer comprehensive and advanced care close to home, without the need to travel into Boston. We treat each person, first and foremost, as an individual, with compassion, personal attention and true care. Call 508-363-6601 to book an appointment.

What Is Robotic Assisted Thoracic Surgery?

Robotic thoracic surgery is a minimally invasive technique that allows for smaller incisions that result in faster recovery time, shorter hospital stay and less postoperative pain. Minimally invasive procedures use small incisions and tiny cameras and instruments to treat many conditions that, in the past, could only be addressed with surgery performed using large incisions. We were among the first to use robot assisted thoracic surgery to treat cancers and diseases of the chest, and we are among the most experienced in using these methods.

Thoracic surgeries are usually complex, so we collaborate with pulmonologists and specialists in medical oncology, radiation oncology and radiology from Saint Vincent Hospital and Reliant Medical Group. Working together, your care team develops a treatment strategy targeted to your needs.

What Are the Benefits of Minimally Invasive Thoracic Surgery?

In general, the benefits of minimally invasive thoracic procedure include:

• Faster recovery
• Fewer complications
• Less blood loss
• Less pain
• Shorter hospital stay
• Smaller scars

A patient’s outcome with thoracic surgery may depend on their overall health, health history, cancer type and other factors. Our doctors will discuss with you everything you need to know about the surgery, how to prepare for it, what to do after and other information to equip you with knowledge and confidence that we’re with you throughout your treatment.

Diseases We Treat and Surgeries We Perform

Our thoracic surgery division is a leader in esophageal cancer treatment, as well as the surgical treatment of:

• Non-small cell lung cancer
• Lung metastases from other sites in the body
• Chest wall tumors
• Mediastinal tumors such as cancer of the thymus and esophageal cancer
• Other conditions that affect the chest area

We perform the following thoracic surgery procedures, in most cases using robotic-assisted techniques:

• Lung cancer treatment that may include resection:
• Lobectomy surgery and segmentectomy to remove part of the lung
• Pneumonectomy to remove an entire lung
• Surgery to remove tumors that spread to the chest wall
• Mediastinal tumor surgery
• Esophageal cancer surgery and surgery for benign esophageal diseases
• Surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome including robotic-assisted first rib resection
• Surgery for pleural disease, including malignant pleural effusions and pleural cancer
• Surgery for hyperhidrosis