Division of Thoracic and Esophageal Surgery

Thoracic procedures

When it comes to thoracic procedures, AHN delivers in ways others cannot. We approach treating thoracic issues in a multifaceted manner, focusing on using the most minimally invasive procedures.

The vast majority — 99% of thoracic surgery — is performed using minimally invasive techniques. For you, that means:

• Faster recovery rate
• A shorter hospital stay
• Less pain during recovery
• Quicker return to normal activities

The Society of Thoracic Surgeons continually audits AHN, and other area hospitals, using a statistical formula to review patient outcomes. AHN is the only hospital in the state that receives the highest designation.

Lung diseases

If you’re facing a life-altering lung disease, we see you and your specific needs. Whether treatment or surgery is your best option, our dedicated care teams will work with you to find not just what works for you as a patient, but for you as a whole person.

Lung cancer surgery

Surgery can be an intimidating word. Rest assured, our highly trained and skilled surgeons use the most state-of-the art, minimally invasive procedures to get you back to the life you love.

Your options could include:

• Robotic and video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS): A minimally invasive surgical approach for treating lung conditions. The surgeon uses a thoracoscope (a thin, lighted tube with a camera) and manages robotic arms to perform surgery through small incisions in the chest wall. This approach offers several benefits, including less pain, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery times compared to traditional open surgery.
• Resection: Should you need resection surgery (meaning a portion of a lung tissue is removed), there are minimally invasive ways to perform a resection. This procedure may be done to treat lung cancer, emphysema, or other lung conditions.
• Segmentectomy: A segmentectomy is a type of lung resection surgery where a surgeon removes the diseased segment of the lung. Using this technique, the surgeon can preserve the healthy lung tissue, leading to better breathing capacity after surgery. Often used to remove small tumors in the lungs, a segmentectomy can be done using less invasive surgical techniques.
• Lobectomy: In a lobectomy, the surgeon removes an entire lobe of the lung. A lobe is a major section of the lung, with each lung having two to three lobes. Lung cancer, tuberculosis, pneumonia, lung abscess, and bronchiectasis are all conditions that may require a lobectomy. Your care team can help determine the extent of the surgery.
• Pneumonectomy: This is a surgery to remove an entire lung. This is the most extensive type of lung resection and is typically reserved for cases where the cancer is confined to one lung or a lung is severely damaged.
• Bronchoscopy: A thin, flexible tube with a camera and light source (bronchoscope) is inserted by a doctor through the nose or mouth and down the windpipe (trachea) into the lungs to visualize the airways. A bronchoscopy can be used to take tissue samples, remove small tissue areas, or perform other treatment therapies.
• Robotic bronchoscopy: Like a regular bronchoscopy, a robotic bronchoscopy is inserted through the nose or mouth, but in this instance a robotic arm with a miniature bronchoscope is controlled by a surgeon for greater precision and reach.

Mesothelioma treatment

Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive type of cancer that develops in the lining of the chest (pleura), abdomen (peritoneum), or heart (pericardium). It’s primarily caused by exposure to asbestos, a fibrous mineral once widely used in building materials and other products.

Your surgery options may include:

• Video-assisted pleurodesis: This is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat pleural effusion, a condition where excess fluid accumulates in the chest cavity. It involves inserting a small scope and instruments into the chest through small incisions.
• Pleurectomy: In this surgical procedure, the pleura, or lining of the chest cavity, is removed. It’s often performed in conjunction with other procedures.
• Pneumonectomy: A pneumonectomy is a major surgery where the entire lung is removed. This procedure is reserved for severe cases where other treatments haven’t been successful.

Esophageal diseases

Esophageal disease encompasses many conditions that affect the esophagus, the muscular tube that connects the throat to the stomach. Conditions can range from gastrointestinal reflux disease to esophageal cancer.

What is esophageal cancer?

Esophageal cancer is a serious condition that occurs when cancerous cells develop in the lining of the esophagus. Surgery c an include minimally invasive procedures that are performed by highly skilled surgeons using the latest techniques.

Benign esophageal diseases

A benign esophageal disease is any condition affecting the esophagus that is not cancerous. These diseases, especially when left untreated, can cause discomfort, pain, and more serious issues and complications.

Treating benign esophageal diseases can include the following procedures.

• Peroral endoscopic myotomy: Also known as POEM, this minimally invasive procedure is performed using a thin, flexible endoscope inserted through the mouth and into the esophagus. The endoscope has a tiny surgical instrument attached to it that the surgeon uses to cut the muscle layer of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), allowing it to relax and function more easily.
• Nissen fundoplication: This is a surgical procedure that strengthens the LES to prevent acid reflux. In a robotic procedure, the surgeon uses a robotic arm with tiny instruments to perform the surgery through small incisions in the abdomen.
• Hiatal hernia repair: In this surgical procedure that can be done laparoscopically, the surgeon uses a laparoscope and specialized instruments to repair the hole in the diaphragm from the hernia and secures the stomach in its proper position.
• Esophagogastroduodenoscopy: Also called EGD, this procedure uses an endoscope that has a camera and light at the tip, allowing the doctor to see the lining of the digestive tract. EGDs are used to diagnose, treat, and take biopsies for conditions including ulcers, gastritis, esophagitis, tumors, and bleeding.

Other diseases of the chest

The chest wall and cavity can be affected by an array of diseases. AHN surgeons and specialists offer some of the most innovative treatments to help you get back to your best self.

• Robotic thymectomy: Robotic thymectomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure to remove the thymus gland, a small organ located in the chest. It’s performed using a specialized robotic system that allows the surgeon to operate with greater precision and control than traditional open surgery.
• Hyperhidrosis: Hyperhidrosis surgery in the chest specifically targets excessive sweating in the underarm area, also known as axillary hyperhidrosis. It’s a more invasive approach compared to other treatments like antiperspirants or Botox injections, and it’s typically reserved for severe cases that haven’t responded to less invasive options.
• Tracheal resection: This surgical procedure is used to treat cancer, stenosis, and traumas to a portion of the trachea where the windpipe carries air from the nose and mouth to the lungs. A surgeon makes a small incision to access the trachea and removes the affected area.

Division of Thoracic and Esophageal Surgery specialists

See all AHN providers who treat lung cancer and work as part of the Lung Cancer Center of Excellence on Find Care.

How to get care

If you want to be tested for or have been diagnosed with lung cancer, we’re here to help.

Scheduling a procedure

If you have a referral for a thoracic procedure, contact the team at the facility where you want to have the procedure completed. 

Call (412) 369-6137 to make an appointment at:

• Allegheny General Hospital
• Grove City Hospital
• Wexford Health + Wellness Pavilion

Call (412) 858-7088 to make an appointment at:

• Allegheny Valley Hospital in Natrona Heights
• Forbes Hospital
• Hempfield Neighborhood Hospital 

Lung cancer clinical trials and research

To stay at the forefront of innovation for our patients, AHN is continually researching and engaging in clinical trials. Lung cancer research is an area of continued research and development. Past trials have included advancements in lowering patient pain, stage 4 lung cancer treatment, genetic markers for cancer recurrences, and immunotherapy before and after surgery.

Clinical trials involve research with the goal of improving patient care and advancing science. We have multiple trials for lung cancer, esophageal cancer, and pain management that you may be eligible for. If you have an interest in participating in clinical trials, please let your physician know so we can find a trial that is appropriate for you. 

Refer your patient to an AHN Cancer Institute specialist

There are three ways for medical professionals, who are not a part of Allegheny Health Network, to refer their patients to an AHN Cancer Institute specialist and request their first appointment.

Call to make an appointment

Call (412) 369-6137 to make an appointment at:

• Allegheny General Hospital
• Wexford Health + Wellness Pavilion
• Grove City Hospital

Call (412) 858-7088 to make an appointment at:

• Forbes Hospital
• Allegheny Valley Hospital
• Hempfield Neighborhood Hospital 

Find a physician online

Go to Find Care to find the right AHN specialist and the most convenient location. Then refer your patient, provide relevant patient details, and request an appointment directly from the doctor’s profile.

Use AHN Physician Access to refer your patient to an AHN Cancer Institute specialist and request an appointment.

For more information about referring your patient to an AHN specialist, read the Independent Physician Referral FAQs.