Information on diseases or treatments related to thoracic surgery:
 Diseases and Treatments
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Reach the Sentara Thoracic Surgery Center at Sentara Heart Hospital by calling:
(757) 388-LUNG (5864)
Toll free:
1 (866) 448-LUNG (5864) |
We’re committed to working with you to diagnose and plan an appropriate course of treatment, in a timeframe that is acceptable to you and your loved ones. This may be a stressful time for you; we will partner with you to keep the stress level low.
We’ll work with you to formulate the treatment plan most appropriate for your condition, history and lifestyle. And we’ll consistently communicate your status and updates back to your referring physician.
Our multidisciplinary specialists work together to diagnose and treat your specific condition. We have the resources at our fingertips to handle any issue we might encounter along the way to your better health.
Read the 2009 Thoracic Outcomes Report for the Sentara Thoracic Surgery Center at Sentara Heart Hospital
Experience
Credentials
According to The Society of Thoracic Surgeons, thoracic surgeons are among the most highly educated specialists. All our thoracic surgeons are specialty trained and board-certified to ensure thorough knowledge of their area of expertise.
Unlike general surgeons who may operate on most parts of the body, thoracic surgeons concentrate solely on the part of the body called the "thorax," which refers to the area located between the neck and abdomen.
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Hospitals that see many patients with the same condition gain experience and expertise in treating that condition. The same is true for hospitals that perform a large number of procedures; research shows the higher the volume, the more experience and most likely, the better the outcome.
Our physicians and surgeons see more than 300 thoracic patients annually — a number that speaks volumes about our experience.
Sentara Thoracic Surgery Center at Sentara Heart Hospital Volume
Cutting-edge Technology
In addition to our experience in treating thoracic conditions, our physicians have researched and operated at the forefront of technology in many ways.
Achievements
First to perform ablative procedures of lung lesions (radiofrequency ablation, cryotherapy)
First in region for robotic surgery (da Vinci®)
First in region to perform induction chemotherapy followed by surgical removal of advanced cancerous growths
First in region to perform pulmonary volume reduction (PVR) for emphysema
First in region to use EBUs
First in region to use CyberKnife® Radiosurgery |
Sentara Thoracic Surgery Center at Sentara Heart Hospital Procedures 2007 – 2008
Minimally Invasive = Minimal Pain for the Patient
Sentara thoracic surgeons operate using the latest advances in technology, including minimally invasive surgery (or laparoscopic) techniques. Benefits to patients include reduced trauma to the body, less blood loss, less postoperative pain, fewer complications, a reduced hospital stay and faster recovery times.
Minimally invasive techniques at the Sentara Thoracic Surgery Center |
Sentara Thoracic Surgery Center at Sentara Heart Hospital Mortality – All Procedures
As stated in the national literature, the higher the surgical volumes and hospital volumes, the lower mortality. The lower the mortality, the better.
Sentara Thoracic Surgery Center at Sentara Heart Hospital Lobectomy Mortality
Sentara Thoracic Surgery Center at Sentara Heart Hospital Lobectomy Volume
Outcomes
Although it is impossible to eliminate all risks of medical complications or death, especially for seriously ill patients, risks can be reduced by choosing a hospital with a lower mortality rate and/or a higher long-term survival or success rate.
Learn more about Sentara safety and quality outcomes.