Experience and Innovation Advancing Patient Care

Thoracic Surgery at the Temple Lung Center provides state-of-the-art treatments for all commonly encountered benign and malignant problems, such as lung cancer and reflux, as well as treatments for rare conditions, such as mesothelioma, thoracic outlet syndrome, electrical storm, and tracheobronchomalacia.  Our experienced team has established a track record of successfully treating patients considered too high-risk, or too complex, for surgery at other centers. In partnership with the Temple Lung Center, Temple Digestive Disease Center and Fox Chase Cancer Center, our surgeons work closely as a team with medical oncologists and radiation oncologists to provide some of the most advanced cancer treatments available anywhere.  With a dedicated weekly tumor board, 40-80 subspecialists gather on a weekly basis to review, monitor, diagnose, and determine individualized treatment courses for the most complex cases, often providing second opinions for patients and providers seeking alternative options from leading experts.

Temple thoracic surgeons recognize that surgery is a stressful event for every patient.  Patients can take comfort in knowing that their surgeons are not only highly trained and skilled, but aim to treat every patient with the same kindness and compassion that would be expected from family. Beyond the primary goal of providing patients with the best and safest operations, Temple thoracic surgeons are focused on quality of life and employ techniques designed to shorten recovery time, reduce pain, and get patients back on their feet much quicker.

Comprehensive Chest Care from International Leaders

For the benefit of our patients, Temple thoracic surgeons undergo specialized training, develop innovative procedures that have been adopted elsewhere, and closely collaborate with a multitude of other specialists - all with an eye toward providing the best care available anywhere and, sometimes, not available anywhere else. Highlights of our program include:

• Comprehensive personalized treatment plans - including pulmonologists, radiologists, oncologists, oncology nursing, pathologists, radiation oncologists, nutritionists, oncology psychiatrists, plastic surgeons, cardiac surgeons, general surgeons, physical therapists, respiratory therapists, occupational therapists, gastroenterologists, and more to deliver the best possible outcomes for each individual patient

• Renowned thoracic surgery experts who regularly provide education to an international community of physicians in a collaborative global effort to advance the standard of thoracic care
• Multiple locations and immediate appointments offering accessibility and convenience to patients

Our surgical procedures and services include:

• Chest wall reconstructions
• Lung volume reduction surgery and bullectomy
• Pulmonary resections (lobectomy, segmentectomy-wedge, pneumonectomy)
• Total robotic lung resection for malignant and benign diseases
• Complex airway interventions, including stenting and resection/reconstruction for  benign stenosis and malignant conditions of the trachea
• Robotic assisted tracheobronchoplasty for tracheobronchomalacia, an under recognized condition featuring excessive collapse of the central airways
• Robotic diaphragm plication for patients with diaphragm paralysis.
• Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM), a minimally invasive surgical procedure to (1) release constricted esophageal muscles due to achalasia or other esophageal spasmodic disease, (2) help the stomach empty better in patients with gastroparesis
• LINX®, a small flexible ring positioned at the top of the stomach that helps prevent reflux
• Enterra® Therapy, a device that encourages the stomach muscles to contract for the treatment of  gastroparesis 
• Chemotherapy
• Endoscopy
• Immunotherapy
• Tumor resection surgery
• Surgery for esophageal cancer, lung cancer, mesothelioma and other cancers of the pleura, sarcoma, thymic cancer, chest wall tumors

The thoracic team also provides advanced screening, diagnostic, and prognostic tests such as CT, PET, EBUS/EUS, navigational and fiberoptic bronchoscopy, esophagoscopy, video mediastinoscopy, esophageal manometry/pH monitoring and evaluation and interpretation of biomarkers and genetic signature, as well as additional procedures for the trachea, esophagus, mediastinum, diaphragm and chest wall. 

Lung Cancer Treatment and Services

The collaboration between Fox Chase Cancer Center and the Temple Lung Center includes top lung cancer specialists who work together with a single goal: to provide the best care for lung cancer patients.

The multidisciplinary approach of our thoracic team offers patients access to breakthrough options for lung cancer, including managing the co-concurrent conditions commonly found in patients with lung cancer. This depth of expertise means patients benefit from the most advanced technologies and the latest global innovations in cancer care, with simultaneous treatment of any comorbidities. Personalized treatment options also include access to breakthrough clinical trials.

The Temple Lung Center and Fox Chase Cancer Center are renowned research institutions that share a distinguished track record of discovery and care. Both are rated by U.S. News and & World Report, with the Temple Lung Center designated as a “High Performing Hospital” in pulmonology and lung surgery and Fox Chase ranked among the “Best Hospitals” for Cancer and designated as a “High Performing Hospital” in lung cancer surgery.

• As a National Cancer Institute-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, Fox Chase Cancer Center is among the nation’s top full-service cancer institutions, attaining the highest standards in research, teaching, and clinical care.
• The Temple Lung Center is one of the most active centers for pulmonary care in the US treating the most complex patients.
• Our physicians have garnered international, national, and regional acclaim, including several Nobel Prizes and the Kyoto Prize. Many are consistently recognized as 'Top Doctors' by Philadelphia magazine, as well as Castle Connolly Top Doctors in America

Combining Research and Clinical Care to Advance Possibilities 

The thoracic team has been at the forefront of many research breakthroughs throughout history, and their work has impacted clinical practice regionally, nationally, and worldwide.

 As a nationally respected Academic Medical Center, Temple University Hospital offers high quality care, advanced technology, and highly skilled physician researchers that not only treat patients, but also educate other physicians. Our robust research center pushes the boundaries of clinical care and informs a patient-centered approach to treatment. Temple’s medical staff offers powerful new options for patients who, just a few years ago, were considered untreatable.