About Our Program |
Asthma |
Conditions and Illnesses |
Cystic Fibrosis |
Emphysema |
Finding the Right Pulmonologist |
Interstitial Lung Disease |
Lung Cancer |
Lung Transplantation |
Mesothelioma |
Neuromuscular Disease |
Occupational Lung Disease |
Our Physicians |
Our Services |
Patient Education Materials |
Pulmonary Hypertension |
Pulmonary Laboratory |
Pulmonary Rehabilitation |
Support Groups and Resources |
Thoracic Surgery
UT Southwestern Medical Center’s thoracic surgery program is widely regarded as among the best in the U.S. - exemplified by the consistently high ranking in the area of lung transplant procedures. Over a recent 30-month period, our lung transplant program was rated the most effective in the nation for achieving the highest survival rate for one-year post-transplant patients.
Since the lung transplant program began in 1990, UT Southwestern has consistently been ranked among the top 10 in the country. These results reflect the quality of our pulmonary program and team approach to treat each patient.
Treatment
UT Southwestern’s thoracic surgeons are actively involved in advancing the latest and most effective procedures available for the treatment of all types of lung disease, including lung cancer, cystic fibrosis, emphysema, interstitial lung disease, occupational lung disease and pulmonary hypertension. Our thoracic surgeons are regarded by their peers as authorities in their areas of expertise, and are continually dedicated to providing the attentive and compassionate care that is integral to successful treatment and recovery.
In addition, UT Southwestern has the state-of-the-art medical resources needed to perform advanced, minimally invasive thoracic surgery. Video-assisted thorascopy is performed using one or more small incisions and a special camera (thorascope) to transmit video images to a monitor. Thoroscopic surgery is used to diagnose and treat a variety of lung conditions and results in a faster recovery, which reduces the amount of time patients spend in the hospital.
Our thoracic surgeons also specialize in lung volume reduction surgery, which has shown to be a promising treatment for severe cases of emphysema. The procedure enables improved lung elasticity through reduced lung volume, allowing breathing muscles to work more easily and thereby improve lung function.
Patient Education
For more information, please visit the Health Library.
