About the Minimally Invasive Thoracic Surgery Program

For complex cases of lung and esophageal cancer, the Kimmel Cancer Center coordinates preoperative and postoperative care (including chemotherapy and radiation) through the Thoracic/Aerodigestive Multidisciplinary Cancer Clinic. This team of medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pulmonologists, as well as physician assistants and nurse practitioners, forms a comprehensive treatment plan, which often includes clinical trials offering leadingedge treatments.

Thoracic surgeons also team up with general surgeons to perform the complex, minimally invasive esophagectomy procedure (removal of the esophagus) for gastric and esophageal cancer, using a combination of VATS and laparoscopy.

The Thoracic Surgery Program is also proud to offer Robotic-Assisted Thoracic Surgery. These procedures use several small incisions like the VATS, but are more complex because they access smaller spaces around the heart and lungs. The surgeon sits at a screen in the OR, watches images from the tiny cameras inserted through the incisions, and operates via the robotic arms. Jefferson is one of the only Delaware Valley hospitals to offer robotic thymectomy (removal of the thymus).