Thoracic Surgery

Using minimally invasive techniques, our thoracic surgeons can expertly treat diseases affecting the lungs, esophagus, and chest.

A senior woman on the couch holding a coffee mug while looking out of a window.

Thoracic surgery involves a number of advanced procedures designed to treat diseases affecting the thorax—including your lungs, esophagus, chest, or diaphragm. At Virtua, we assembled a team of experienced thoracic surgeons who specialize in minimally invasive and robotic-assisted techniques to deliver the next-level care you need.

Types of Thoracic Surgery at Virtua

If you've been diagnosed with a thoracic condition, we can help. In fact, we specialize in both benign (non-cancerous) and malignant (cancerous) lung conditions.

Our thoracic surgeons are experts in the diagnosis and treatment of the following conditions:

  • Airway disorders: tumors, narrowing, or collapse of the airway
  • Chest wall disorders: sunken chest syndrome (pectus excavatum, or PEX), tumors, or protruding breast bone
  • Diaphragm paralysis: poor breathing muscle function
  • Esophageal cancer: esophagus tumors
  • Esophageal disorders: swallowing difficulties, narrowing of the esophagus, heartburn
  • Giant bullous disease: large air pockets in the surface of the lung
  • Hyperhidrosis: excessive sweating
  • Lung cancer: lung tumors
  • Mediastinal diseases: thymic tumors, myasthenia gravis
  • Mesothelioma: cancer within the lining around the lung related to asbestos exposure
  • Pleural and pericardial effusions: fluid around the heart and lungs
  • Spontaneous pneumothorax: lung collapse

Virtua Thoracic Surgeons

At Virtua, our thoracic surgeons are experts in their field, using the latest minimally invasive, robotic-assisted techniques to treat thoracic disorders.

Meet Our Thoracic Surgeons

Thoracic Surgery at Virtua

At Virtua, we never take for granted how serious thoracic surgery is. It's a life-saving procedure that can remedy complex medical conditions. 

That's why we assembled a team of experienced thoracic surgeons who use the latest methods to treat thoracic disorders. From minimally invasive and robotic-assisted techniques, which improve surgical precision and reduce recovery times, to state-of-the-art operating rooms, you're in highly skilled, expert hands.

Here's what you can expect by connecting with our team:

  • In the same breath: You are an active participant in your treatment every step of the way. Our team will walk you through the entire process, answer every question, and address any concerns. Together, we'll develop the best possible treatment plan for you.
  • Breathe easy: When it comes to conditions that affect your ability to breath or swallow comfortably, minutes can feel like a lifetime. That's why we make it our mission to connect you with pulmonary and thoracic surgery experts as quickly as possible.
  • Next-level cancer care: Virtua’s thoracic surgeons are part of the Penn Medicine | Virtua Health Cancer Program. This partnership offers you the latest advances in lung cancer treatment, including immunotherapy, proton therapy, and access to national clinical trials.

colorbar quote

“He took the time to explain all of my test results and treatment options. He made me feel like I really mattered.”

Teresa Nocentino

after her early-stage lung cancer was successfully detected and treated

Virtua Thoracic Surgery Locations

With Virtua, you can find expert thoracic surgeons, right here in South Jersey. Now that’s a breath of fresh air.

View thoracic surgery locations

The Virtua Difference for Thoracic Surgery

Minimally invasive pioneers

Whenever possible, we utilize minimally invasive, robotic-assisted technology to perform your thoracic surgery. For example, we might recommend video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) lobectomy to remove lung cancer. This results in smaller incisions, less pain, and faster recovery times. 

Minimally invasive pioneers

Whenever possible, we utilize minimally invasive, robotic-assisted technology to perform your thoracic surgery. For example, we might recommend video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) lobectomy to remove lung cancer. This results in smaller incisions, less pain, and faster recovery times. 

A multidisciplinary approach to lung cancer treatment

The diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer require a coordinated team of experts to collaborate on all aspects of patient care. Virtua’s thoracic surgeons lead a team that includes pulmonologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, chest radiologists, pathologists, interventional radiologists, anesthesiologists, physician assistants, and advanced practice nurses all specializing in thoracic patient care.

A multidisciplinary approach to lung cancer treatment

The diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer require a coordinated team of experts to collaborate on all aspects of patient care. Virtua’s thoracic surgeons lead a team that includes pulmonologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, chest radiologists, pathologists, interventional radiologists, anesthesiologists, physician assistants, and advanced practice nurses all specializing in thoracic patient care.

Comprehensive care that's close to home

Beyond providing care for complex thoracic disorders like cancer, we also perform treatments that are not available at other health systems in our region. For example, our surgeons can perform therapeutic plasma exchange (PEX), which involves separating the blood to remove diseased plasma.

Comprehensive care that's close to home

Beyond providing care for complex thoracic disorders like cancer, we also perform treatments that are not available at other health systems in our region. For example, our surgeons can perform therapeutic plasma exchange (PEX), which involves separating the blood to remove diseased plasma.

Cardiothoracic expertise

If your heart requires expert care, you’re in the right place. Virtua is nationally recognized as a leader in cardiothoracic (CT) and cardiovascular surgery.

Cardiothoracic expertise

If your heart requires expert care, you’re in the right place. Virtua is nationally recognized as a leader in cardiothoracic (CT) and cardiovascular surgery.

Patient safety, always

Virtua’s thoracic surgeons voluntarily participate in the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) National Database. This extra step helps raise the national patient care standards for cardiothoracic surgery. It also means that your Virtua thoracic surgeon is following the latest recommendations for clinical quality and safety.

Patient safety, always

Virtua’s thoracic surgeons voluntarily participate in the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) National Database. This extra step helps raise the national patient care standards for cardiothoracic surgery. It also means that your Virtua thoracic surgeon is following the latest recommendations for clinical quality and safety.