Clinical Strengths

Our approach to thoracic surgery emphasizes the multidisciplinary expertise of a team of physicians committed to improving the quality of life and long-term health outcomes for our patients.

Chest Wall Conditions

We specialize in surgical treatments to reconstruct and repair the chest, including conditions of the diaphragm, chest wall, and sternum. We also perform chest wall resections and reconstructions to treat tumors invading the chest wall, achieving excellent functional and cosmetic results.

Esophageal & Digestive Health

Our esophageal surgery program is one of the largest in the U.S., performing more than 200 major operations a year for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux and its complications; neuromotor esophageal dysfunction; and tumors. We perform all types of anti-reflux operations, both open and minimally invasive, including the combined esophageal-lengthening Collis gastroplasty-Nissen fundoplication procedure, to reduce the risk of recurrent gastroesophageal reflux and hiatal hernia.

Lung & Respiratory Diseases

We work with our partners in radiology, pathology, and pulmonary medicine to provide advanced care for patients with lung and airway disorders including emphysema and pulmonary fibrosis. Our expertise in minimally invasive surgical techniques improves patient health outcomes and reduces healing time.

Lung Transplantation

Our United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS)-accredited transplant program is the largest in the state, with thoracic surgeons performing 30 to 40 lung transplants each year in partnership with the U-M Transplant Center. We evaluate 3 to 4 new patients each week in our multidisciplinary program, which coordinates the work of thoracic surgeons, pulmonologists, nurses, and social workers.

Mediastinal Conditions

We excel in the surgical management of cancerous and non-cancerous conditions of the mediastinum, using minimally invasive and robotic-assisted techniques to improve outcomes. For patients who need biopsy of mediastinal lymph nodes, we offer ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration biopsy, a procedure that does not require general anesthesia like traditional mediastinoscopy.

Thoracic Cancer

Our Thoracic Cancer Clinic focuses on the care of patients with intrathoracic cancers, including esophageal cancer, small cell and non-small cell lung cancer, thymic malignancies, and mesothelioma. We are national leaders in performing transhiatal esophagectomies, a procedure re-introduced by Michigan thoracic surgeon Dr. Mark B. Orringer, M.D.

Robotics & Minimally Invasive Surgery

Our Minimally Invasive Thoracic Surgery Program uses technologically advanced tools, including da Vinci robots and video-assisted techniques (VATS), to perform lung and esophageal operations with smaller incisions that result in less postoperative pain for patients, shorter hospital stays, and a quicker return to normal activities.