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Thoracic Surgery

Sometimes called chest surgery, these procedures are performed by physicians called thoracic surgeons. These surgeons operate on the chest organs such as the lungs and esophagus. Most of these procedures are taken with a minimally invasive and/or robotic approach to reduce the risk of excess bleeding, scarring, discomfort, and to reduce the length of the patient’s hospital stay so they can heal more quickly in the comfort of home.

What to do if you slip up.

Overcoming a slip-up after you quit smoking

"Quitting smoking is easy. I've done it a thousand times," Mark Twain is supposed to have said.

Maybe you can relate to this sentiment. Maybe you've tried to quit and then slipped up.

But that doesn't have to set you back to square one with smoking.

The difference between a slip and a relapse is within your control. You can either use the slip as an excuse to go back to smoking, or you can review what went wrong and renew your commitment to staying quit for good.

Here's what the American Heart Association and the American Cancer Society recommend:

  • Don't punish or blame yourself. Tell yourself you're still a nonsmoker.
  • Think about why you smoked and decide what you'll do the next time it comes up.
  • Sign a contract to stay a nonsmoker.
  • Review your reasons for quitting, and think of all the benefits to your health, your finances and your family.
  • Remind yourself that it's not OK to have just one cigarette—or even one puff.

Yes, quitting takes hard work and a lot of effort, but you can do it.

Stronger next time

Remember, most people try several times before they finally quit smoking. Review what helped you and what seemed to work against you. Use that information to make an even stronger attempt next time.

Reviewed 5/15/2023

Our approach to thoracic surgical care

Thoracic surgery may be necessary to diagnose or repair conditions affecting the lungs, including cancer, trauma, or pulmonary disease. In partnership with Excela Health System, the thoracic surgeons are skilled in all aspects of thoracic surgery, using minimally invasive techniques when possible. These complex operations are performed utilizing sophisticated computer-assisted technology.

Thoracic procedures and treatment

  • Lung cancer screening
  • Bleb resection
  • Lung cancer diagnosis
  • Bronchoscopy and robotic bronchoscopy
  • Treatment for benign and malignant diseases of the lung and chest wall
  • Lung lobectomy
  • More

Make an appointment

Patients are seen in the Minimally Invasive and Robotic Surgery Suite in the IASA Building, Suite 2300, at 841 Hospital Road in Indiana. Speak to your pulmonologist, our Lung Nodule Clinic or your primary care physician to assist in facilitating a referral. You may also make an appointment (self referral) with our thoracic team by calling 888.452.IRMC (4762) or 724.357.3170.

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