Thoracic Surgery Program
Our thoracic surgery team provides comprehensive care to patients with disorders of the chest, including the lung, esophagus, trachea, pleura (lining of the chest) and mediastinum (middle section of the chest). Working with a multidisciplinary team of medical and radiation oncologists, pulmonologists, gastroenterologists, dedicated thoracic nurse practitioners, nurses, respiratory therapists, social workers and care coordinators, we strive to provide compassionate, high-quality coordinated care for our patients.
RWJBarnabas Health’s Thoracic Surgery program offers patients the latest medical advancements and treatment options for virtually every thoracic condition. It is available at:
- Community Medical Center
- Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center (formerly Saint Barnabas Medical Center)
- Jersey City Medical Center
- Monmouth Medical Center
- Newark Beth Israel Medical Center
- Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital New Brunswick
Our nationally recognized thoracic specialists are leaders in the field who are able to perform the most advanced surgical techniques. Historically, thoracic surgery has been performed as an open procedure (large incisions of 8 to 10 inches long/general anesthesia), but over the years, minimally invasive techniques (small incisions of 1 to 2 inches/general anesthesia) have been developed to provide safe and effective alternatives.
Requesting an Appointment
Prior to scheduling an appointment with one of our specialists, you may need a referral from your doctor. In some cases, you may make a self-referral. For a self-referral, please contact us or make an appointment online.
Thoracic Conditions Treated
Our program is able to treat a variety of thoracic conditions. These include but are not limited to:
- Barrett's esophagus
- Benign diseases and tumors of the lung
- Benign esophageal diseases (including achalasia, benign tumors and strictures)
- Chest wall tumor
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Cystic fibrosis
- Diaphragmatic hernia
- Dysphagia
- Emphysema
- Esophageal cancer
- Esophageal stricture
- Esophagitis
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Hiatal hernia
- Hyperhidrosis
- Interstitial lung disease
- Lung cancer
- Lung mass
- Lung nodule
- Mediastinal tumors and diseases (including the surgical treatment of myasthenia gravis)
- Mesothelioma
- Myasthenia gravis
- Pectus excavatum
- Pleural effusion
- Pleural tumors
- Pulmonary fibrosis
- Thoracic outlet syndrome
- Thymic tumor
- Tracheal stenosis
Thoracic Procedures Offered
Your cardiothoracic surgeon will decide on the best surgery approach for you (open or minimally-invasive) based on several factors, including the type of thoracic disease you have and how severe it is; your age, medical history and lifestyle; and results of tests performed during your initial evaluation. Some procedural options may include:
- Airway reconstruction
- Chest tube placement
- Chest wall resection and reconstruction
- Decortication
- Esophagectomy
- Heller myotomy
- Hiatal hernia surgery via Nissen fundoplication
- Lung resection
- Lung transplantation
- Nuss procedure
- Pericardial Window
- Sympathectomy
- Thoracic outlet decompression
- Thymectomy
- Tracheal resection
Meet the Thoracic Surgery Team
Instrumental to our program’s success is our passionate, experienced, and integrated multidisciplinary team comprised of thoracic specialists skilled in all aspects of health care. To learn more about our team members, please visit our “Meet our Thoracic Surgery Team” page.
Access to the Latest Thoracic Medical and Clinical Research
RWJBH Heart, Vascular and Thoracic services provide patients with the opportunity to have access to the latest technology and medical advancements via participation in some of the most renowned clinical studies offered. As you are aware, clinical studies help bridge research and patient care by evaluating therapies, drugs and diagnostic tools to drive discoveries into clinical practice. To learn more about our clinical trials, please visit our Clinical Trials page.
Discharge Instructions