Thoracic Surgery Approaches

Each patient is as unique as their surgical needs. Your surgeon will discuss with you which of the three surgical approches is best for your sitation. Our goal for your surgery will be the best possible medical outcome, quicker recovery time, fewer days in the hospital and effective pain management.

Robotic-Assisted Surgery

Our Lady of the Lake Physician Group Thoracic Surgery offers robotic-assisted, minimally invasive thoracic surgery for a variety of chest disorders. Robotic surgery can provide surgeons with improved precision and visualization. Smaller, minimally invasive incisions may lead to shorter hospital stays, decreased postoperative pain, and a quicker recovery in patients.

Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery

Video-assisted Thoracic surgery uses a long, thin camera and small instruments that inserted inserted into the chest through small 2-3 cm incisions made between the ribs. Benefits of this type of surgery include less pain after the operation, less immune system response and improved mechanics of breathing after surgery.

Thoracotomy

When a patient's medical condition rules out a robotic or video-assisted approach, an open, or traditional, approach may be used used  There are many variables that could prohibit a minimally invasive approach and these will be discussed with your surgeon.