Why Choose Us for Thoracic Surgery?

Teams of Experts

"Even after having lung surgery, I can ride 15 miles without a problem." »Read John's story

Because of our multidisciplinary approach, University of Chicago Medical Center experts in radiation therapy, medical oncology, pulmonary medicine, gastroenterology, radiology, and thoracic surgery can offer a full range of care tailored to the needs of each patient. We often treat patients with complex diseases and coexisting medical problems, and people who have had previous thoracic surgeries.

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.

More Information

• Why Choose Us?
• Services Offered
• Achalasia
• Barrett's Esophagus
• Esophageal Cancer
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
• Hyperhidrosis
• Interstitial Lung Disease
• Lung Cancer
• Lung Transplant
• Lung Volume Reduction Surgery for Emphysema
• Mesothelioma
• Minimally Invasive Esophageal Surgery
• Minimally Invasive Surgery for Lung & Pleural Diseases
• Our Team