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The Division of Thoracic Surgery at the Brigham & Women's Hospital is committed to providing patients with the best therapies available in the field. The development of minimally invasive surgery in recent decades has done more to impact the field of surgery than any other recent innovation. With traditional (open) approaches, surgery of the thorax is conducted through large open incisions that prolong the patient's hospital stay and postoperative convalescence. Although a traditional surgical approach is still needed for many complex thoracic cases, an increasing number of diagnostic and surgical procedures now can be approached through smaller incisions and by using less invasive techniques aided by video technology. These procedures have been rendered accurate, efficient, cost-effective, and safe through years of technological development and experience.
Thoracoscopy, laparoscopy, endoscopy, and robotics are the minimally invasive tools most commonly used in thoracic surgery. Our program in minimally invasive thoracic surgery, led by Drs. Scott Swanson (Director) and Jon Wee (Co-Director), is supported by an expert nursing staff and a substantial investment by the Hospital in the equipment and infrastructure necessary to provide such services. Many patients have the impression that a prior abdominal or thoracic procedure precludes the use of minimally invasive re-operations. However, this is often NOT the case. Each patient is evaluated individually and frequently even patients who have had prior surgery are deemed appropriate for minimally invasive surgery. In fact, one of our principal specialities is the re-operative management of complex esophageal disorders with minimal access surgery.
Minimally invasive surgery involves the use of several small incisions, 5-10 mm in length. These incisions or portals provide access to the body cavity for surgical instruments and a video camera, which in turn are manipulated outside the body by the surgeon while viewing the entire operation on a video monitor in the operating room. The goals of minimal access surgery are:
A variety of thoracic diseases, including complex problems, can be apporach minimally invasively. Some of the more common problems are listed below.
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NOTICE: This email is not for medically related issues. Comments or concerns regarding patient-related care should be directed to the Thoracic Surgery Clinic at 617-732-6824.
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Division of Thoracic Surgery
Brigham and Women's Hospital
75 Francis Street
Boston, MA 02115