Thoracic Surgery
Comprehensive Lung and Chest Surgery Services

Riverside’s Thoracic Surgery Program

Riverside’s comprehensive thoracic surgery program is designed to address conditions of the lungs, esophagus, chest wall, diaphragm and mediastinum. Led by board-certified thoracic surgeons who are skilled in traditional open surgery, minimally invasive and robotic-assisted surgical techniques.

Our program is further strengthened by our affiliation with UVA Health’s Thoracic Surgery Program, ensuring our patients benefit from the latest research and innovative techniques. The collaboration empowers us to offer personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique needs.


Cardiovascular simple

Minimally Invasive Expertise Gives Patient More Options

Our thoracic surgeons are at the leading-edge of minimally invasive lung surgery, utilizing robotics to access the thoracic cavity without having to break through the rib cage. Some of the benefits of minimally invasive and robotic surgery compared to an open surgical approach include:

  • Quicker recovery, with less time in the hospital
  • Less blood loss
  • Decreased risk of infection
  • Decreased scarring
  • Decreased risk of readmission to the hospital after surgery

Our team of physicians work with each patient to determine if a minimally invasive, robotic approach or open-surgical approach is the best option for each individual based on their diagnosis, individual anatomy and any other medical conditions they may have.

Learn more about Riverside’s investments in minimally invasive and robotic surgery here.

 

 

To Make An Appointment

If you already have a referral, please call for an appointment.

Or, utilize Riverside MyChart to connect with your pulmonologist or primary care provider for a referral.

Riverside Cardiothoracic Surgery

500 J. Clyde Morris Blvd.
Annex Bldg, Suite 602
Newport News, VA 23601
757-534-5511

Thoracic Surgeries

Learn more about lung and chest surgeries

Lung Resection

Lung resection is removing part, or all, of the lung’s five lobes.

SABR

Same Anesthesia Bronchoscopy and Resection (SABR) allows for both the bronchoscopy biopsy and lung resection to be done the same day, only undergoing anesthesia one time.

Chest Tube

A chest tube procedure is when a drainage tube is inserted into the chest to drain substances such as blood or other fluid.

Conditions Commonly Seen

Thoracic surgeons are an important part of the lung cancer team, working closely with the medical and radiation oncologists to develop the best treatment plan for each patient. The type of lung surgery will be determined by the type, size, location of the tumor and lymph node status.

Following the procedure, the tissue is sent to the lab to confirm entire tumor was removed, as well as testing the tumor tissues itself to adjust or refine any additional radiation or medical oncology treatments.
Infections, cysts, abscesses and benign tumors may also need to be surgically removed. These could include tuberculosis, fungal infections or other infections that don’t respond to antibiotics.

Other medical conditions that could require lung surgery include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Chest or lung surgery may be required when people are injured in accidents.
The thymus gland is located behind the breast-bone and in front of the heart. Thymectomy procedures remove the gland and can be appropriate for patients with thymoma or myasthenia gravis.
Pectus excavatum, or sunken chest, is an abnormally formed breastbone that curves in instead of out. The Nuss procedure is an operation to implant a bar to push the breastbone to the correct position. This can be done in adolescence but also in adults.
Doctor shaking hands w/ patient and family

Meet our Team

Meet our surgeons and Advanced Practice Providers (APPs) who are for thoracic surgery patients.

Meet the Experts
Across Riverside Health

Resources That May be Useful

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Pulmonology Services

Meet the physicians who specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions of the respiratory system.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation

Learn more about the supervised exercise program to help individuals living with or recovering from serious respiratory conditions to build stamina and strength.

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