Breathe Easier for Your Best Life
When you need thoracic surgery, you want to feel confident that you are in the best hands. We take that responsibility seriously.
Our experts specialize in minimally invasive and robotic-assisted thoracic surgery for the chest, lungs, and upper gastrointestinal tract. They help you achieve optimal outcomes with faster, smoother recovery.
When traditional surgery is needed, our specialists perform complex procedures for lung and esophageal cancers, chest abnormalities and thoracic aortic aneurysms.
We strive to find the best solution for you, delivering advanced treatments with compassion.
Trusted Thoracic Surgery Care
From advanced treatments and surgical expertise to our whole-person approach, our team provides state-of-the-art diagnostics and personalized treatment plans to help you thrive.
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Whole-Person Care
Our thoracic surgeons heal your body, nurture your mind and lift your spirits. Our whole-person care philosophy promotes true healing when you need it most.
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Thoracic Surgery Expertise
You deserve exceptional care. This belief drives our thoracic surgeons to deliver world-class care with uncommon compassion every day.
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Leading-Edge Treatment Options
From leading-edge minimally invasive and robotic-assisted procedures to complex surgical techniques, our team of experienced thoracic surgeons delivers the best possible care to help you heal.
Thoracic Conditions We Treat
Our thoracic surgeons expertly treat a wide range of chest, lung, esophageal and tracheal conditions. You can trust our dedicated team.
Chest Conditions
- Chest wall abnormalities
- Pericardial and pleural effusions (fluid build-up)
- Rib abnormalities
- Thoracic outlet syndrome
Esophageal and Tracheal Conditions
- Achalasia
- Barrett’s esophagus
- Esophageal cancer
- Esophageal disease/GERD repairs
- Hiatal hernia
- Swallowing disorders
- Tracheal stenosis
Lung Conditions
- Congenital lung malformations
- Emphysema
- Lung cancer
- Lung failure
- Mediastinal tumors
- Mesothelioma
- Thoracic aortic aneurysms
Minimally Invasive and Complex Thoracic Surgery Treatments
The latest robotic tools help surgeons operate efficiently, lowering the risk of complications and shortening hospital stays.
- Minimally Invasive Procedures
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When you need thoracic surgery — whether for lung cancer, esophageal disease, swallowing disorders or another thoracic condition — you deserve care that helps you heal with less discomfort and more confidence. Our experts specialize in minimally invasive lung surgery, offering leading-edge approaches such as video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) and robotic-assisted lung surgery procedures.
These advanced techniques allow your surgeon to operate with exceptional precision through smaller incisions, supporting a smoother healing experience.
In the hands of highly trained and skilled specialists, minimally invasive and robotic-assisted thoracic surgery can lead to:
- Fewer complications
- Less blood loss
- Lower risk of infection
- Reduced need for pain medicine
- Shorter hospital stays
Our surgical team performs these minimally invasive thoracic procedures:
- Robotic-assisted esophagectomy
- Robotic-assisted Heller myotomy for achalasia
- Robotic-assisted lobectomy
- Robotic-assisted magnetic sphincter augmentation device (LINX)
- Robotic-assisted Nissen fundoplication
- Robotic-assisted paraesophageal hernia repair
- Transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF)
- VATS wedge resection
At AdventHealth, we’re here to help you breathe easier and heal fully — body, mind and spirit.
- Complex Surgery
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Some thoracic needs require an even higher level of surgical expertise. While many conditions can be treated with minimally invasive lung surgery or robotic lung surgery, certain complex diagnoses call for highly specialized procedures performed by surgeons with expertise in managing complicated thoracic conditions.
Our advanced thoracic surgery capabilities include:
- Pulmonary thromboendarterectomy
- Thoracic aortic aneurysm surgery
- Thoracic outlet surgery
- Thoracotomy
No matter how complex your condition, you’ll have access to a multidisciplinary team committed to providing the safest, most effective care.
Lung Experts Who Lift Your Spirits
When you’re living with a lung health issue, you want a provider who not only understands your condition and how to treat it, but cares about your needs and goals, too. Count on our experienced thoracic surgeons to ensure your comfort and lift your spirits at every step of your treatment.
Breathe Better With Solid Support
A strong community encourages a strong heart and strong lungs. From connecting you with others through our cardiac support groups to helping you navigate our financial assistance tools, we’re here to give you the guidance you need to feel whole.
Answering Your Thoracic Surgery Questions
We’re here to answer these frequently asked questions about thoracic surgery, and your care team will be happy to answer any questions you have throughout your treatment.
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Q:Question: What tests and evaluations are needed before thoracic surgery?
A:Answer:Before your thoracic surgery, your care team will conduct a comprehensive set of evaluations to gain a better understanding of your overall health to ensure surgery is safe for you. Tests and evaluations include imaging scans, heart and lung function tests and routine bloodwork.
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Q:Question: What is recovery like after thoracic surgery, and how long will I be in the hospital?
A:Answer:Recovery time after thoracic surgery varies depending on your overall health and the type of procedure you had. But a full recovery is expected within two to three months after surgery. Most patients remain in the hospital between three and seven days, followed by a month or two of restricted activity at home.
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Q:Question: How should I prepare for thoracic surgery, and what can I do beforehand to support a smoother recovery?
A:Answer:To prepare for thoracic surgery, carefully follow all instructions your provider gives you. This may include abstaining from certain medications, stopping smoking or drinking alcohol and fasting the night before surgery.
Continue ReadingCollapse AnswerThings you can do beforehand to support a smoother recovery include incorporating daily exercise and breathwork to build lung capacity. Doing this supports your overall health and prepares your body post-surgery to adjust to daily life as you recover.
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Q:Question: Will my procedure be done with a minimally invasive approach, such as VATS or robotic surgery?
A:Answer:Your doctor will determine if a minimally invasive thoracic surgery approach like VATS or robotic surgery is right for you. A minimally invasive approach is always preferred, as it leads to less pain and scarring and a quicker recovery time. However, depending on your unique diagnosis and overall health, these approaches may not be suited for you.
Continue ReadingCollapse AnswerGood candidates for minimally invasive thoracic surgery, like VATS or robotic surgery, include:
- In good pulmonary and cardiac health
- Patients with clear access to tumors and lesions
- Those who aren’t obese
- Those with early-stage disease
Find Thoracic Surgery Care Near You
Are you ready to breathe easier? Let our experienced teams within the AdventHealth Heart, Lung and Vascular Institute network guide your path forward. We offer general lung healthcare and unmatched expertise for pulmonary hypertension, thoracic surgery, lung transplant and more — all coordinated through a trusted national network. Explore our locations or let our team guide you to the one that’s right for you.