Thoracic Surgery

Mayo Clinic works with hundreds of insurance companies and is an in-network provider for millions of people. In most cases, Mayo Clinic doesn't require a physician referral. Some insurers require referrals, or may have additional requirements for certain medical care. All appointments are prioritized on the basis of medical need.

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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.

Mayo Clinic physicians and chest surgeons have experience treating people with conditions of the chest (thoracic diseases). They work with a team of doctors trained in many areas to determine the most appropriate treatment for your individual needs.

Mayo Clinic offers several surgical services and procedures, including but not limited to those listed below. Not all services may be available at all locations. Please confirm when you call to request an appointment.

Mayo Clinic physicians and chest surgeons have extensive and deep experience treating people with conditions of the chest (thoracic diseases). They work with a team of doctors trained in many areas to determine the most appropriate treatment for your individual needs.

Mayo Clinic provides management and services for several conditions, including but not limited to those listed below. Availability of the services may vary among Mayo locations. Please confirm when you call to request an appointment.

Mayo Clinic has one of the largest and most experienced practices in the United States, with campuses in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota. Staff skilled in dozens of specialties work together to ensure quality care and successful recovery.

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Mayo Clinic is consistently recognized by external organizations for providing outstanding patient care. These endorsements reinforce our commitment to providing expert, whole-person care to everyone who needs healing.

Thoracic surgery is an integrated practice, collaborating with the Department of Pulmonary Medicine, the Department of Medical Oncology and the Department of Gastroenterology.

Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, Mayo Clinic in Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona, and Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, are ranked among the Best Hospitals for pulmonology by U.S. News and World Report.

Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, ranks No. 1 for digestive disorders in the U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals rankings. Mayo Clinic in Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona, and Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, are ranked among the Best Hospitals for digestive disorders by U.S. News & World Report. Mayo Clinic Children's Center in Rochester is ranked the No. 1 hospital in Minnesota, and the five-state region of Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin, according to U.S. News & World Report's 2023–2024 "Best Children's Hospitals" rankings.

Mayo Clinic has major campuses in Phoenix and Scottsdale, Arizona; Jacksonville, Florida; and Rochester, Minnesota. The Mayo Clinic Health System has dozens of locations in several states.

For more information on visiting Mayo Clinic, choose your location below:

Recent research looks at treatments for acid reflux disease, cancers of the chest (thoracic oncology) and lung diseases.

Mayo Clinic chest surgeons are actively engaged in basic, translation and clinic trial research for conditions of the lungs, esophagus, diaphragm and chest wall. Mayo Clinic researchers continually study new diagnosis and treatment options for people with thoracic disease.

Thoracic surgery laboratories and programs

Center for Regenerative Biotherapeutics: Lung Regeneration
Thoracic Oncology
Epidemiology and Genetics of Lung Cancer Research Program

Publications

See a list of publications on thoracic surgery topics by Mayo Clinic authors on PubMed, a service of the National Library of Medicine.

Our patients tell us that the quality of their interactions, our attention to detail and the efficiency of their visits mean health care like they've never experienced. See the stories of satisfied Mayo Clinic patients.

Mayo Clinic works with hundreds of insurance companies and is an in-network provider for millions of people.

In most cases, Mayo Clinic doesn't require a physician referral. Some insurers require referrals, or may have additional requirements for certain medical care. All appointments are prioritized on the basis of medical need.

Learn more about appointments at Mayo Clinic.

Please contact your insurance company to verify medical coverage and to obtain any needed authorization prior to your visit. Often, your insurer's customer service number is printed on the back of your insurance card.