Clinical Expertise

In conjunction with pulmonologists and oncologists, the UCI thoracic surgical team manages a variety of cancers affecting thoracic organs, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, lymphoma, mediastinal tumors, chest wall sarcoma and metastatic disease. We offer a range of diagnostic and treatment procedures, such as bronchoscopy, endobronchial ultrasound, lobectomy, lung wedge resection (including video-assisted and robotic-assisted thoracoscopic surgery), thymectomy and pleurectomy/decortication.

UCI School of Medicine thoracic surgeons are responsible for the surgical management of esophageal cancer (esophagectomy), gastrointestinal reflux disease (Nissen fundoplication), achalasia (Heller myotomy) and esophageal diverticulum repair.

The thoracic surgery team may be required to manage mediastinal injuries in conjunction with the trauma surgery team. We are experienced in managing complex infections of the lungs and esophagus, including empyema.

UCI School of Medicine thoracic surgeons manage conditions of the chest wall that require repair or reconstruction, such as congenital abnormalities, infection and injuries (including rib and sternal plating). We also perform hiatal and diaphragmatic hernia repairs and sympathectomies for hyperhidrosis and facial flushing.