Thoracic surgery focuses on treating conditions of the body’s thorax (chest) area, including the esophagus, lungs, mediastinum (the area between the lungs), trachea, and diaphragm. Thoracic surgeons treat the following conditions:
- Chest wall tumors
- Emphysema, pulmonary fibrosis, and other end-stage lung-diseases
- Esophageal cancer
- Hiatal hernia (stomach bulges into the chest through an opening in the diaphragm)
- GERD and acid reflux
- Hyperhidrosis (excessive, involuntary sweating)
- Lung cancer
- Pectus excavatum (sunken chest)
- Tracheal stenosis (narrowing of the trachea, or windpipe)
Thoracic Surgery at the University of Michigan
University of Michigan thoracic surgeons have been pioneers in treating thoracic conditions. They were first in Michigan to perform a lung transplant and were at the forefront of developing the transhiatal esophagectomy to treat esophageal cancer. Our expertise also includes minimally invasive technology in our procedures to ensure patient experience is as comfortable as possible. Learn more about Robotics and Minimally Invasive Surgery.
Supporting and Connecting Patients
Patients are supported in and out of the OR for the best possible patient experience and success for your treatment. Our team and colleagues at Michigan Surgical & Health Optimization Program help prepare patients before a surgery, so you can recover quickly and successfully. Our expertise also includes minimally invasive technology in our procedures to ensure your experience is as comfortable as possible.
Patient Care Drives Research and Innovation
Caring for you drives our research, as we strive to find the new solutions for patients. We are currently developing new ways to detect esophageal cancer earlier. And our tradition of leading the way in innovative procedures is seen in our focus on expanding our knowledge and using new technology to create a better patient experience. For more information about our education and research programs, visit the academic site for Michigan Medicine Thoracic Surgery.
U-M Esophageal Support Group
We also connect patients who undergo a transhiatal esophagectomy with a support group, so you can share and heal together. Learn more about the U-M Esophagectomy Support Group.
Multidisciplinary Approach to Patient Care
Our extensive team of care providers is always there for you, and we work with our colleagues at Michigan Medicine to provide a multidisciplinary approach to your care.
Our team collaborates with transplant surgeons to create a comprehensive lung transplant program that supports you throughout your patient experience.
The Thoracic Tumor board works with our Michigan Medicine colleagues to bring together a group of doctors from different fields to evaluate your specific case and create a treatment plan with input from different experts to find the best possible treatment plan.
Make an Appointment
To make an appointment, call our thoracic surgery clinic at (734) 936-4973. You may also schedule an appointment by logging into MyUofMHealth.