THORACIC SURGERY
UAB Medicine’ s general thoracic surgical faculty have expertise encompassing all areas of general thoracic surgery, including both open and minimally invasive approaches to treating lung cancer, esophageal cancer and mediastinal tumors. Additionally, we are experienced in the surgical treatment of benign conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease( GERD), paraesophageal hernias, achalasia, tracheal stenosis, thoracic outlet syndrome, diaphragmatic paralysis, chest wall deformities, and hyperhidrosis. Endoscopic procedures performed include diagnostic and therapeutic modalities such as airway and esophageal dilation and stenting, navigational bronchoscopy, endobronchial ultrasound( EBUS), cryotherapy, photodynamic therapy, and laser ablation.
THORACIC SURGERY
THORACIC ONCOLOGY OPERATIONS
The UAB O’ Neal Cancer Center is the only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center in the four-state area. We have extensive expertise in the surgical management of thoracic malignancies. In addition to being recognized as leaders in minimally invasive approaches to treat early-stage disease, we specialize in complex procedures such as bilobectomies and sleeve resections, as well as performing pulmonary, mediastinal, and esophageal resections after chemotherapy and / or radiation treatment.
PULMONARY SURGERY
We perform more than 150 anatomic lung resections per year at UAB. Following surgery, patients are cared for in a dedicated thoracic unit, where we strive to continually refine our management of post-operative patients. UAB has access to advanced perioperative care technology, including fast-track enhanced recovery protocols, multimodality pain control, use of digital air leak devices, and app-based patient-engagement technology. Together, these measures help facilitate early chest tube removal, minimize the duration of hospitalization, decrease the chance of ER visits and readmission, improve patient satisfaction, and maximize connectivity with the thoracic surgery team.
Focusing on quality improvement has allowed us to achieve excellent results in patient care. UAB Medicine’ s median postoperative length of stay following robotic lung resection is 2 days. Nearly half of our robotic lobectomy and segmentectomy patients can be discharged on postoperative day one, compared to only about 5 % nationwide. These efforts have resulted in our team being awarded a 3-star status by the Society of Thoracic Surgeons for superior outcomes following lobectomy. uabmedicine. org / referCVI 13