Why Choose Us for Thoracic Surgery?
Teams of Experts
Because of our multidisciplinary approach, University of Chicago Hospitals experts in radiation therapy, medical oncology, pulmonary medicine, gastroenterology, radiology, and thoracic surgery can offer a full range of care tailored to the special needs of each patient. We are able to treat patients with complex diseases and coexisting medical problems.
Our physicians are nationally and internationally recognized by their peers for their skill and expertise. In addition, we have inpatient intensivists--specially trained physicians who treat critically ill patients--that provide focused care in our state-of-the-art intensive care unit.
Tailored Diagnostics and Treatment Options
We are known for our thorough analysis of each patient's overall health and disease condition, including comprehensive diagnostic tests. After all aspects have been weighed, we are then able to give each patient the most effective care possible.
Unsurpassed Experience for Lung Transplantation
Our lung transplant surgeon, Dr. Wickii Vigneswaran, is among the most experienced lung transplant physicians in the country. He has trained in internationally renowned medical centers, and operated on more than 200 lung transplant patients. He is part of a lung transplant team that has worked together since 1998. The team's operative and post-operative results are above national averages, with one-year survival of approximately 85 percent.
Latest Surgical Advances
We perform minimally invasive procedures for lung and esophageal problems. These have been proven to minimize scarring and reduce healing time. For example, the thoracic surgery section regularly employs video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) to do a variety of procedures, including lung resection. When VATS is used for lung resection, a patient spends less time in the hospital compared to standard methods.
Expertise in Complex Cases
We are known for our willingness to treat high-risk patients. The board-certified physicians here routinely treat patients that are often turned down by other medical institutions.
Access to Clinical Trials
We are currently conducting trials to study lung and esophageal cancers as well as various aspects of lung surgery.
