Surgeons from the USC Lung Transplant Program are committed to the diagnosis and care of patients with diseases of the chest. In the area of General Thoracic Surgery, USC Cardiothoracic Surgeons offer expertise in the treatment of locally advanced lung cancer including tumors that invade the chest wall or mediastinum. Patients with these complex disorders are evaluated and staged completely, and in conjunction with medical and radiation oncologists a determination about the optimal method of treatment is made with the patient and family. Our experience with Lung Volume Reduction is carried over to the treatment of patients with lung cancer and advanced emphysema. A broad experience with lung transplantation and airway problems provides the background for expertise with tumors and strictures of the trachea and major bronchi, as well as lung-sparing cancer resections called "sleeve resections". In these operations lung and airway tumors are removed along with the surrounding lymph glands while the lung tissue itself is preserved.
USC Cardiothoracic Surgeons strongly believe in the value of minimally invasive surgery, and thoracoscopic and laparoscopic approaches are utilized for diseases such as gastroesophageal reflux, achalasia, hyperhydrosis, cysts and tumors of the mediastinum, myasthenia gravis, and pleural and pulmonary disorders. Surgeons from USC Cardiothoracic Surgery specialize in the evaluation and treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease, and the complications of reflux including Barrett's esophagus. As a leading center in the United States for the management of esophageal cancer, surgeons at USC know precisely when to use the latest neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy treatments. Furthermore, when treating patients with esophageal cancer our goal is to not only remove the cancer and maximize the likelihood of cure, but also to restore the patient's ability to enjoy the irreplaceable social pleasure of sharing a meal with friends and family.
Routine use of epidural catheters and a full-time pain management service contribute to the dramatic relief of post-operative discomfort, and state-of-the art facilities along with dedicated around-the-clock care contribute to some of the best surgical results in the country. After discharge, nurse clinicians continue the careful follow-up started in the hospital and help ease the transition from being an in-patient to going home. Lastly, and important for the peace-of-mind of our patients, members of the surgical team are available 24-hours a day to discuss your concerns, problems.
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