Thoracic Surgery

Thoracic Surgery in Staten Island, NY

Richmond University Medical Center aims to provide advanced treatments for many conditions, including chest or respiratory disorders. With a thoracic team led by board-certified surgeon Loren J. Harris, MD, patients can receive the treatment needed for emergency and nonemergency thoracic surgery.

People with health conditions across Staten Island, NY, can find relief from their symptoms and begin recovery. Learn more about thoracic surgery at Richmond University Medical Center, the health problems it can treat, and other procedures offered.

What Is Thoracic Surgery?

Thoracic surgery is performed to treat any condition that affects the chest. That includes the chest wall, lungs, ribs, esophagus, or other structures surrounding the area. It also can involve conditions of the heart and lungs. Thoracic surgery can diagnose certain health problems that do not appear when using traditional testing methods such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

There are two methods for completing thoracic surgery, including:

• Open thoracic surgery: Surgeons make a large incision on the chest to treat conditions affecting the area. This is beneficial for removing large tumors or dealing with health problems that affect a large portion of lung tissue.
• Minimally invasive thoracic surgery: Surgeons make small incisions and use various tools, like a video camera, to complete the surgery.

Thoracic surgery is not a specific procedure, but rather a term that describes procedures done on the chest. For example, surgeries such as tumor removal, coronary artery bypass surgery, and heart transplant surgery all are considered thoracic surgeries.

Conditions Treated by Thoracic Surgery

Thoracic surgery can be ideal for treating many conditions, including those that affect the respiratory system. That can include:

• Mesothelioma
• Esophageal cancer
• Chest wall tumors
• Lung cancer
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Emphysema
• Benign tumors
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Cystic fibrosis

Thoracic Surgery at Our Facility

The thoracic team at Richmond University Medical Center is led by Dr. Harris, a board-certified surgeon. The team meets each patient with a high level of professionalism, transparency, and compassion. Before opting for thoracic surgery, physicians first examine the patient to diagnose the condition. Once a diagnosis is reached, physicians can decide if thoracic surgery is the next course of action.

Patients are put to sleep using anesthesia administered through an IV before surgery begins. Next, depending on the type of thoracic surgery, surgeons make either a small or large incision in the chest. From there, they can remove or repair the issue. After treatment, surgeons close the incision, and patients move to recovery.

In addition to diagnosing conditions and completing procedures, the thoracic team also is here for trauma patients in the emergency services department. If a patient enters the unit with an emergency respiratory condition, the team can assist with these diagnostic and treatment services. They also can help with other surgeries, such as cardiac operations, to deliver all-around care for each patient.

Other Procedures Offered

Some patients may require additional surgeries to diagnose or treat their respiratory condition. If a surgeon believes exploratory surgery is necessary for the full diagnosis or treatment of a health problem, they may conduct procedures such as:

• Esophagectomy
• Lung volume reduction
• Lobectomy

Treatment for respiratory conditions can provide relief for patients dealing with them. Not only can they manage painful symptoms associated with the disease, but they also can reconstruct parts of the thoracic region to achieve relief. The type of treatment a patient receives can depend on many factors. Patients should visit their physician to discuss their options.

Modern, Advanced Technologies

Surgical patients can rest assured they are cared for by board-certified surgeons, as well as experienced nurses and additional skilled medical professionals. They also can rely on the advanced, modern technology used at the facility. The technology and tools at Richmond University Medical Center allow the team to complete high-quality procedures.

The team can perform minimally invasive surgeries, including video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS), for those with thoracic conditions. Offering modern procedures like minimally invasive surgery is one way Richmond University Medical Center can provide safe treatments for patients with thoracic conditions. Not only does it reduce the risk of complications following surgery, but it also can allow patients to heal and recover faster.

In addition to conventional surgical methods, Richmond University Medical Center offers robotic surgery. The surgeons are trained using the versatile da Vinci robotic surgical system. With the assistance of a robot and small surgical tools attached to the arms to perform the procedure, surgeons can deliver a variety of minimally invasive procedures

Access Quality Medical Care at Richmond University Medical Center

Patients in the Staten Island, NY, area can find compassionate, caring medical services at Richmond University Medical Center. With a dedication to delivering accessible healthcare to the community, we ensure each patient receives the medical care needed to thrive. To learn more about thoracic surgery and other procedures offered, call (718) 818-2420 or contact us today.

Loren J. Harris, MD FACS FCCP
Chairman, Department of Surgery
Chief, General Thoracic Surgery

Richmond University Medical Center
355 Bard Avenue
Staten Island, New York 10310