Lung Surgery

We take a more holistic approach to surgery, combining the skill and expertise of surgeons from two surgical subspecialties: thoracic surgery and foregut surgery. As a team, our surgeons work hand-in-hand to address the host of interrelated medical conditions that affect these regions of the body.

The result is a faster and more accurate diagnosis, more insightful and effective surgical treatments, and, most importantly, more promising outcomes for our patients.

We understand that correcting a disorder of one of these organs requires restructuring or altering one or more of the other related organs. So we don’t divide problems between those in the chest and those in the abdomen. Rather, we approach the chest and foregut as a unit, and we’re skilled and comfortable working on both sides of the diaphragm to correct the problems associated with a wide range of diseases.

Innovative Procedures

At UR Medicine, we offer minimally invasive lung, esophageal, and gastric surgery, including robotic procedures for the treatment and cure of malignancies. 

• Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS): The surgeon will make several small incisions to insert a camera and tools, allowing treatment with less impact on lung tissue. VATS often results in shorter recovery time, less pain, and smaller scars.

• Robotic-Assisted Thoracic Surgery (RATS): Using robotic arms for high precision, this advanced method enhances the surgeon’s dexterity during complex lung procedures.

Common Procedures

• Open Surgery: Also known as thoracotomy, this approach requires a larger incision through chest wall muscles to access lung tissue. It’s sometimes necessary for extensive tumors or complicated cases.

• Wedge Resection: Involves removing a small, wedge-shaped piece of lung tissue around a tumor—often used when removing early-stage cancer.

• Lobectomy: Surgery to remove one lobe of the lung, commonly used in cases of lung cancer or localized disease.

• Segmentectomy or Pneumonectomy: Depending on the patient's condition, these options involve removing a segment or the entire lung.

• Management of GERD and esophageal motility disorders: Including endoscopic approaches, robotic/minimally invasive myotomies, and anti-reflux procedures.

What To Expect

Before Surgery

Your thoracic surgeon and care team will work closely with you to manage any chronic conditions and optimize your health ahead of surgery. This process may include: 

• Routine tests (e.g., pulmonary function tests, imaging)

• Blood clot prevention treatment

• Education on pain medicine, chest tube management, and breathing exercises

During Surgery

• Small Incisions (for VATS/RATS): The surgeon will make several small incisions—each about 1 to 2 cm—to insert a camera and instruments.

• Tumor Resection: Depending on your diagnosis, this may involve removing a wedge of tissue, an entire lobe, or the whole lung.

• Chest Tube Placement: At the end of surgery, one or more chest tubes may be inserted to drain fluid and help re-expand the lung. This may remain for a few days.

After Surgery

• Hospital Stay: Depending on your surgery and condition, you may stay in the hospital for 2–6 days. Chest tubes are removed once fluid has cleared and your lung has expanded.

• Recovery Time: Most patients need 4–8 weeks to recover fully, sooner after minimally invasive procedures.

• Pain Control: We prioritize effective pain medicine and strategies to ease post-operative discomfort—reducing reliance on opioids.

• Physician Guided Physical Activity: Early mobilization and breathing exercises help reduce the risk of blood clot formation and speed healing.

At UR Medicine, we’re committed to offering compassionate, expert surgical care—always focused on your health, recovery time, and quality of life.

Our surgeons are nationally recognized for innovative procedures such as lung resections, thymectomy, tracheal surgery, and esophageal resections (MIE). From minimally invasive to open surgery, we tailor our approach to each patient's needs. We balance surgical precision with recovery, ensuring you receive the best care possible. 

We offer state-of-the-art diagnostic laboratories, and our experts have been instrumental in promoting foregut diagnostics. Before, during, and after surgery, you’ll work with a multidisciplinary team to support your well-being through every step of the process.