The Thoracic Surgery Division provides regionally recognized expertise in all aspects of pulmonary, esophageal, chest wall, mediastinal (central thorax) and foregut (upper digestive system) surgery, including those for:

• Pulmonary, thoracic and chest wall malignancies, especially lung cancer, sarcomas of the lung and esophageal cancers.
• Cancers that have metastasized to the lung and/or chest wall from the breast, colon or elsewhere.
• Lymph node and wedge biopsies.
• Palliative operations to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life.

Diagnostic, Traditional and Minimally Invasive Thoracic Techniques
Along with traditional, open thoracic operations, thoracic surgeons perform many diagnostic and therapeutic procedures using minimally invasive thoracoscopic techniques and, in some cases, robotic-assisted instrumentation. In fact, the Thoracic Surgery Division is one of the city’s leaders in using the widest range of minimally invasive thoracic procedures available, and its surgeons are committed to utilizing new uses as they develop.

Because minimally invasive procedures allow treatment with small incisions and limited operative trauma, our patients benefit from less postoperative pain, limited scarring, faster recovery and diminished complications.

The Lung Evaluation Program
The Thoracic Surgery Division has recently launched an innovative multidisciplinary lung evaluation program for patients with pulmonary tumors, whether from primary lung cancer or metastatic disease. The program offers comprehensive diagnostic care and full treatment evaluation from a multispecialty team of thoracic surgeons, pulmonologists, and medical and radiation oncologists, all in one setting.

All imaging, evaluative and diagnostic services are offered within this program, including pulmonary function testing, radiological evaluation, traditional bronchoscopy, as well as advanced endobronchial ultrasonic endoscopy. At the end of each patient session, an individualized treatment plan is discussed and finalized at a comprehensive meeting with each patient. This is a unique program that allows for prompt implementation of a multidisciplinary treatment plan, as well as efficient navigation of the patient’s care through the multiple specialties involved.

Multidisciplinary Approach and Interdisciplinary Support
Our coordinated surgical and oncological management approach allows every patient to achieve the best possible outcome if he or she requires chemotherapy or radiation therapy after the surgical procedures.

Because of the complex anatomical nature of the thoracic region, the Thoracic Surgery Division routinely integrates its treatment of patients and works closely with other surgical services that may require assistance of a thoracic surgeon. For instance, thoracic surgeons often operate in coordination with head and neck surgeons, as well as the orthopedic spine surgeons, to provide surgical access to difficult locations within the thorax.

Division Surgeons

• Gregory Brevetti, MD
• Cliff P. Connery, MD
• Mark Genovesi, MD
  
• Eduardo Plantilla, MD (Kings Highway)
• Angelo T. Reyes, MD (Chief)

To make an appointment with one of our surgeons, please complete the appointment scheduling form. A staff member will contact you within 48 hours to schedule an appointment.