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The thoracic surgeons at Surgical Associates of Neenah provide surgical treatment of non-cardiac benign and malignant diseases of the chest, including the lungs, esophagus, chest wall, airway, mediastinum (the central compartment of the chest) and diaphragm. Many of these procedures are done using minimally invasive techniques such as video-assisted thoracic surgery or VATS and laparoscopic surgery.

 

Thoracic Surgeries We Offer:

 

Chest Wall Surgery

Lung cancers that grow into the chest wall and rare primary tumors of the chest wall need to be removed or resected. With modern prosthetics and meticulous surgical techniques, chest wall tumors can be removed from patients with good functional and cosmetic outcomes. Some of the chest wall surgery therapies can be performed in part using minimally invasive techniques such as video-assisted thoracic surgery or VATS.

Lung Surgery

Our thoracic surgeons provide surgical treatment and staging for lung cancer, pulmonary nodules, pleural effusions (abnormal fluid around the lung), lung infections (empyema), recurrent popping of the lung (pneumothorax), giant emphysematous bulla or “vanishing lung syndrome” and other diseases of the lung, as well as lung preserving surgery or “sleeve lobectomy” for tumors of the distal airway or bronchi (“wind pipes”). We have extensive experience in minimally invasive or video-assisted thoracic surgery or VATS. VATS can be performed to remove early stage lung cancers, drain effusions, and treat pleural infections, amongst other indications.

Robotic Assisted Lobectomy

Traditional thoracoscopic surgery requires a rather large access incision through the chest wall, with robotic access the incision is typically about half the size of a regular thoracotomy. Robotic assisted surgery, with its wristed instrumentation and better visualization, allows dissection of the vessels and lymph nodes without such a large incision.

The robotic assisted system is a specialized surgical tool that allows the surgeon better visualization and improved fine motor control. These benefits are especially important in lung cancer surgery where dissecting around the heart and the great vessels require maximal dexterity.

A robotic assisted lobectomy does not mean a robot removes the lobe. The primary surgeon controls the procedure through a robotic device. The surgeon sits at a sophisticated electronic console, views the procedure through a special three-dimensional video image, and controls the action of robotic arms and instruments with both hands and feet. The robot assists or augments the movements of the surgeon. It makes no decisions, performs no movements of its own, nor is it programmed to perform the procedure.

What is Mediastinal Surgery?

Mediastinal surgery includes several different types of procedures, which are used to biopsy or remove abnormal growths that form in the area that separates the lungs in the middle of your chest. This area, called the mediastinum, is surrounded by the breastbone in front, the spine in back, and the lungs on each side. The mediastinum contains the heart, aorta, esophagus, thymus and trachea.

Why is Mediastinal Surgery Needed?

Due to their location in the mediastinum, mediastinal tumors (both benign and malignant) that are left untreated can cause serious complications, including invading the heart, pericardium (the lining around the heart), and large vessels (the aorta and vena cava.) Tumors located in the posterior (back) mediastinum can cause compression of the spinal cord. A thorough evaluation and diagnosis of each mass are necessary for the best surgical outcome.

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Insurance Taken

We accept most Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial insurance plans

Schedule a Consultation

To learn more about thoracic surgery and treatment options at Surgical Associates of Neenah, give us a call at 920-725-4527 or submit a contact form.

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