Thoracic Surgery Division
Advanced Surgical Care for Chest, Lung, and Esophageal Conditions
Thoracic surgery focuses on diseases and disorders of the organs and structures within the chest — including the lungs, esophagus, airway (trachea), chest wall, and diaphragm. At Western Surgical Group, our Thoracic Surgery Division brings together experienced, board‑certified surgeons who provide comprehensive care for both malignant and benign thoracic conditions. We emphasize personalized treatment plans, advanced techniques, and coordinated care with pulmonology, oncology, and radiation specialists when needed.
The chest houses several vital organs that play key roles in breathing, swallowing, and circulation, and conditions here can significantly impact quality of life. Some patients present with symptoms like persistent cough, difficulty breathing, chest pain, or trouble swallowing, while others are referred following abnormal imaging or biopsy results. Regardless of how you come to us, our first priority is a detailed clinical evaluation combined with the latest diagnostic tools to determine the right path forward.
Conditions We Treat
We manage a broad spectrum of thoracic conditions, including lung cancer, esophageal disorders, mediastinal masses, chest wall abnormalities, and complications of the diaphragm. Lung cancer — one of the most serious thoracic conditions — remains a leading cause of cancer‑related illness, and early, accurate staging is essential to guide treatment decisions. Our surgeons are skilled in the latest approaches to lung cancer surgery, incorporating multimodal staging and collaborating closely with oncology teams to optimize outcomes.
Benign diseases such as esophageal reflux complications, strictures, and esophageal motility disorders are also treated in our division. These often require specialized surgical approaches that balance effectiveness with preservation of function. We also care for conditions like spontaneous pneumothorax, empyema, chest trauma, and congenital abnormalities when they require surgical intervention.
How We Approach Your Care
Your surgical plan begins with a thorough evaluation that may include imaging studies (such as CT, PET, or MRI), pulmonary function testing, endoscopic evaluation, and, when appropriate, biopsy. This allows us to define the nature of your condition and tailor the surgical approach — whether open surgery, video‑assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), or other minimally invasive techniques. Our emphasis is on combining surgical precision with compassionate communication, helping you understand your diagnosis, treatment options, and what to expect during recovery.
We partner with a multidisciplinary team that may include pulmonologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists, and radiologists to ensure your care plan is comprehensive and cohesive. From initial consultation through follow‑up, our goal is excellent clinical outcomes paired with supportive, patient‑focused care.
Doctors Specializing in Thoracic Surgery
Our thoracic surgeons are fellowship‑trained and experienced in complex chest procedures. They combine surgical expertise with collaborative, multidisciplinary care to ensure each patient receives the highest standard of treatment — from diagnosis through recovery.
Thoracic Surgery Procedures We Perform
Our thoracic surgeons perform a wide range of procedures involving the lungs, esophagus, chest wall, and pleural space. Each operation is selected and tailored to match your condition, clinical goals, and overall health — with a focus on safety, precision, and optimal recovery.
