Thoracic Surgery Department
About the Department
The Thoracic Surgery Department not only offers state-of-the-art medical equipment for thoracic surgery but also a highly experienced professional team. Surgeries are performed using innovative technologies with maximum precision and care. The department is distinguished by its diverse treatment methods and surgical techniques, allowing for personalized treatment plans for each patient.
Who Can Benefit from Our Services?
The Thoracic Surgery Department provides surgical treatment for lung cancer and other pulmonary tumors, both malignant and benign, primary or secondary, mediastinal tumors and chest wall tumors, esophageal cancer and benign esophageal tumors, congenital and trauma-related chest wall deformities, hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), severe emphysema, pulmonary and thoracic cavity infections and more.
Surgical Techniques
Approximately 80% of thoracic surgeries at the medical center are performed using minimally invasive (thoracoscopic) techniques. This approach is preferable to traditional open chest surgery, which requires cutting through the ribs. Instead, surgeries are performed through one to three small incisions between the ribs, sometimes utilizing robotic technology. In complex cases where minimally invasive surgery is not possible, a traditional open-chest approach (thoracotomy) is used.
Advantages of Minimally Invasive Surgery
- Less post-operative pain
- Shorter hospital stays and faster recovery
- More suitable for older patients
- More suitable for patients with pre-existing conditions
- Lower complication rates, with better recovery probability and improved quality of life
- Minimal scarring
- Preservation of lung function post-surgery
Treatments & Procedures
- Lobectomy for lung cancer and other pulmonary tumors
- Total lung resection for lung cancer
- Mediastinal tumor removal
- Esophagectomy for esophageal cancer patients
- Lung volume reduction surgery for severe emphysema patients
- Pulmonary blebectomy for patients with primary pneumothorax or pulmonary bullae
- Pleurodesis for malignant pleural effusion
- Correction of congenital chest wall deformities
- Chest wall resection for tumor removal
- Pericardial window procedure for cardiac effusions
- Left ventricular pacemaker implantation for severe heart failure
- Sympathectomy on both sides for hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) patients
- Biopsies of the pleura, mediastinal lymph nodes, pericardium, and diaphragm
- Diaphragmatic plication for patients with diaphragm paralysis
Upon need, the department collaborates with other specialties, including plastic surgery (for complex resections), orthopedics, pediatric intensive care, and more.
Advanced Robotic Thoracic Surgery – Da Vinci Robot
The Shamir Medical Center was the first in Israel to offer robotic-assisted thoracic surgery using the Da Vinci Surgical System, the latest advancement in medical technology.
Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery (VATS – Thoracoscopy)
The Thoracic Surgery Department at the medical center performs numerous thoracic surgeries using video-assisted techniques (thoracoscopy), including lung and esophageal procedures.
Open-Chest Surgery (Thoracotomy)
Open surgeries (thoracotomy) are performed in the Thoracic Surgery Department.
Hyperhidrosis Clinic
Idiopathic hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating without a known cause) occurs in various body areas and is called Primary Focal Hyperhidrosis. Primary hyperhidrosis affects 1% of the population and is most common in the armpits, palms, and feet.
Thoracic Surgery Outpatient Clinic
A Form 17 is required for outpatient thoracic surgery consultations.