The AHN Division of Thoracic and Esophageal Surgery specializes in delivering expert care — close to home — for conditions affecting the lungs, heart, and chest cavity.
Thoracic surgery is a specialized field within medicine that focuses on diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the organs and structures within the chest cavity. This includes the lungs, heart, esophagus, thymus gland, and chest wall.
AHN has dedicated specialists and highly skilled thoracic surgeons who provide comprehensive care for thoracic issues, including lung cancer, esophagus disorders, mediastinum, and mesothelioma.
This specialty focuses on treating conditions that affect the esophagus, which is the muscular tube connecting the throat to the stomach.
Given the sensitivity to the area, precision is key. AHN is the top provider of minimally invasive procedures to treat esophageal issues in the Pittsburgh area. The AHN thoracic and esophageal division uses new approaches to surgery, including precision robotics that are handled by skilled surgeons to make smaller incisions.
Ninety-nine percent of thoracic and esophageal surgeries use small incisions and are minimally invasive. Historically, AHN has been awarded the highest designation for quality in this approach by the Society of Thoracic Surgeons for many years over
AHN surgeons can provide care for esophageal issues including esophageal cancer, achalasia, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), esophageal strictures, esophageal perforation, and Zenker’s diverticulum.
Diseases of the chest cavity include lung cancer. Early detection is key for a successful treatment plan.
Lung cancer can be an aggressive disease. It’s often hard to spot in its early stage, but advancements are being made in detecting and treating the disease. That’s why it’s so important to have regular screenings if you’re at higher risk for developing lung cancer. If you have ever smoked or are a current smoker, you are at higher risk for developing lung cancer.
When you come to AHN Cancer Institute, you benefit from the latest diagnostic and treatment advances in lung cancer. Our comprehensive lung cancer team uses the most sophisticated treatment techniques and technologies to treat your lung cancer and detect it earlier. Your treatment will be specific to your type and stage of lung cancer — personalized for you and your specific diagnosis. We see you at the center of everything.
AHN is accredited by the Screening Center of Excellence and Lung Cancer Screening Center. For you, that means you’re getting the most comprehensive care. To earn this accreditation, AHN must operate at the highest level of experience, qualifications, and technical specifications.
AHN specialists are dedicated to helping you receive specialized and tailored thoracic and esophageal care.
When it comes to thoracic procedures, AHN delivers in ways others cannot. We approach treating thoracic issues in a multifaceted manner, focusing on using the most minimally invasive procedures.
The vast majority — 99% of thoracic surgery — is performed using minimally invasive techniques. For you, that means:
The Society of Thoracic Surgeons continually audits AHN, and other area hospitals, using a statistical formula to review patient outcomes. AHN is the only hospital in the state that receives the highest designation.
If you’re facing a life-altering lung disease, we see you and your specific needs. Whether treatment or surgery is your best option, our dedicated care teams will work with you to find not just what works for you as a patient, but for you as a whole person.
Surgery can be an intimidating word. Rest assured, our highly trained and skilled surgeons use the most state-of-the art, minimally invasive procedures to get you back to the life you love.
Your options could include:
Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive type of cancer that develops in the lining of the chest (pleura), abdomen (peritoneum), or heart (pericardium). It’s primarily caused by exposure to asbestos, a fibrous mineral once widely used in building materials and other products.
Your surgery options may include:
Esophageal disease encompasses many conditions that affect the esophagus, the muscular tube that connects the throat to the stomach. Conditions can range from gastrointestinal reflux disease to esophageal cancer.
Esophageal cancer is a serious condition that occurs when cancerous cells develop in the lining of the esophagus. Surgery c an include minimally invasive procedures that are performed by highly skilled surgeons using the latest techniques.
A benign esophageal disease is any condition affecting the esophagus that is not cancerous. These diseases, especially when left untreated, can cause discomfort, pain, and more serious issues and complications.
Treating benign esophageal diseases can include the following procedures.
The chest wall and cavity can be affected by an array of diseases. AHN surgeons and specialists offer some of the most innovative treatments to help you get back to your best self.