Thoracic Surgery
Our expert surgeons specialize in minimally invasive surgery, including both thoracoscopic and robotic surgery.
Thoracic Surgery
Our expert surgeons specialize in minimally invasive surgery, including both thoracoscopic and robotic surgery.
Advanced Surgical Treatments for Chest and Foregut Conditions
Our doctors are leaders in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting the thoracic cavity, including the lungs, esophagus, stomach, mediastinum and chest wall. We are knowledgeable in all aspects of managing diseases of the chest and foregut, from complex surgeries to minimally invasive treatments. We lead a well-recognized center for esophageal disorders that attracts patients from around the world, as well as a multispecialty lung cancer program.
During your treatment, you will benefit from the latest medical technology, including diagnostic and therapeutic techniques that aren’t available at any other center in the region. Our thoracic surgeons are experts in robotic surgery, training surgeons from around the world. We are committed to using advanced, minimally invasive techniques whenever possible, and we are experts at dealing with advanced-stage malignant conditions.
Our clinicians are a part of multidisciplinary thoracic oncology and gastrointestinal oncology teams at the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of Keck Medicine of USC. When you are treated with us, your surgeons work closely with other specialists to provide exceptional care. This ensures that you get a personal treatment plan, which helps give you a better outcome.
Conditions We Treat
The main conditions we treat include lung cancer, as well as esophageal and gastric (stomach) cancer. We treat, essentially, any cancer or malignancy arising within the chest. This includes diseases such as:
- Chest wall tumors (sarcoma)
- Mediastinal germ cell tumors
- Mesothelioma
- Metastatic tumors to the chest/lungs (colon, kidney, testicular, among others)
- Nerve sheath tumors
- Schwannoma
- Thymic carcinoma
- Thymoma
- Tracheal or bronchial (windpipe) tumors
In addition, we treat a broad spectrum of benign (non-cancer) conditions, such as:
- Achalasia
- Acid reflux
- Diaphragm hernia
- Diaphragm paralysis
- Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)
- Emphysema
- Esophageal perforation/rupture
- Esophageal stricture (narrowing)
- Fungal lung infections
- Hemoptysis (coughing up blood)
- Hiatal hernia
- Hyperhidrosis (palmar sweating)
- Lung hernia
- Lung infections (empyema)
- Respiratory failure requiring lung transplant (pulmonary fibrosis, cystic fibrosis, pulmonary hypertension, COPD/emphysema, etc.)
- Rib fractures
- Thoracic outlet syndrome
- Tracheal/bronchial strictures
- Tracheal-esophageal fistula
- Valley fever
Treatments We Offer
- Artery resection/reconstruction
- Chest wall/rib resection
- Lung transplantation
Diagnostic Services We Offer
We offer biopsy/diagnostic procedures, as well as coordination of non-surgical biopsy/diagnostic procedures. We offer diagnostic foregut interventions, including:
- Bravo pH probe (acid probe)
- Lung biopsy
- Manometry (swallowing evaluation)
- Upper endoscopy with biopsy
Patient Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the role of surgery in lung cancer treatment?
During surgery, your surgeon works to remove the lung cancer and a portion of healthy tissue.
What types of thoracic surgery does Keck Medicine of USC offer?
Procedures to remove lung cancer include:
- Lobectomy — the removal of an entire lobe of one lung
- Pneumonectomy — the removal of an entire lung
- Segmental resection — the removal of a larger portion of lung but not an entire lobe
- Wedge resection — the removal of a small section of lung that contains the tumor, along with a margin of healthy tissue
Your surgeon may also remove lymph nodes from your chest during surgery, in order to check them for signs of cancer.
Can I get robotic surgery?
Robotic surgery may be recommended for certain patients undergoing lung cancer treatment. This type of procedure is a minimally invasive option that often leads to smaller incisions (less than one inch), less pain and less need for medication, minimal scarring and reduced bleeding. People who undergo robotic surgery are also more likely to have a shorter hospital stay and a faster recovery time.
What happens first, when I start my thoracic surgery journey at Keck Medicine?
Your visit typically starts with a physician assistant reviewing your records from your other providers and going over a comprehensive history with you. Your surgeon then joins the visit and has extensive discussions of your treatment and potential surgical interventions. We pride ourselves in being accessible to patients and providing in-depth patient education.
What do I need to bring to my first appointment?
Please bring medical records and copies of any scans you might have to share with your surgeon.
Who can help me make an appointment or schedule treatments?
Our cancer navigator helps coordinate and streamline care, visits and testing for you. If you have any questions, reach out to your navigator, who can help you get your questions answered by your providers and address your concerns.
Clinical Trials
Participating in a clinical trial gives you access to new and promising therapies.
Find an open trialWhy Choose Us for Thoracic Surgery
Our surgeons work closely with other specialists to ensure our patients get exceptional care.
Our lung cancer surgeons are a part of multidisciplinary thoracic oncology and gastrointestinal oncology teams at USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Our patients benefit from the latest medical technology, including diagnostic and therapeutic techniques that aren’t available at any other center in the region.
Our thoracic surgeons are experts in robotic surgery, training surgeons from around the world.
Our Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) program can help reduce pain, shorten your hospital stay and improve your overall surgical experience.
Advanced Surgical Care
Our Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) program can help reduce pain, shorten your hospital stay and improve your overall surgical experience.
Learn moreTransfusion-free Surgery
We offer specialized transfusion-free surgical care services and procedures.
Learn more
Lung Transplant
We offer advanced, comprehensive care for patients with end-stage cardiopulmonary disease, who need a lung transplant.
Learn moreWorld-class Leadership
Our internationally renowned physicians and clinicians are dedicated to delivering high-quality patient care. We are leaders in cutting-edge treatments, breakthrough research and exceptional outcomes.