Chest surgery at Mayo Clinic (also known as thoracic surgery) involves the organs of the chest, but extends to the esophagus (tube between mouth and stomach), the trachea (airway) and the chest wall (rib cage and breastbone). Surgeons at Mayo Clinic campuses in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota work closely with colleagues in gastroenterology, oncology, pulmonology, radiation oncology and other specialties to ensure that you receive comprehensive, innovative and supportive care.
A team approach focused on you
Thoracic surgeons at Mayo Clinic collaborate with experts in many specialties to provide you with comprehensive care. These experts make up your integrated care team and include radiologists, pathologists, pulmonologists, gastroenterologists, oncologists and doctors in many other specialties as well as nurse practitioners and physician assistants. Additional team members support various stages of the care you receive. This multidisciplinary team is personalized to your individual needs and incudes nurses, respiratory therapists, the pain service, pharmacists, and physical and occupational therapists.
Having all this expertise in a single place — focused on you — means that you're not just getting one opinion. Your care is discussed among the extended team, your test results are available quickly and appointments are scheduled in coordination. Specialists work together for you. Your evaluation can typically be done in a matter of days at Mayo Clinic.
Specialized expertise
Thoracic surgeons at Mayo Clinic perform over 2,000 procedures each year. Minimally invasive surgical techniques are emphasized when appropriate, including advanced laparoscopic, video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) and robotic surgical approaches.
Research
Mayo Clinic's long history of pioneering medical research means patients have access to state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment facilities and numerous groundbreaking clinical trials. Mayo Clinic experts are constantly seeking new knowledge to improve diagnosis and therapies for patients with thoracic disease.