Lung & Esophageal Surgery

There are many diseases and disorders that affect the lungs and esophagus. If your doctor has recommended surgery, Dignity Health Sacramento offers advanced, minimally invasive options for conditions including:

Lung

  • Lung cancer
  • Pleural effusion (excess fluid in the space between the lungs & chest wall)
  • Collapsed lung

Esophagus

  • Tumors
  • Excessive sweating of hands & underarms (adrenal gland surgery)
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
  • Barrett’s esophagus
  • Hiatal hernia
  • Pancreatic & bile duct disorders
  • Perforated esophagus

Lung & Esophageal Laparoscopic Surgical Specialists

The surgical team at Mercy General Hospital includes board-certified surgeons who've undergone extensive fellowship training on specific procedures and technology. Our lung and esophageal specialties include:

Thoracoscopic Sympathectomy

During open surgery, a large incision is made in the chest so the surgeon can remove one or both of the adrenal glands to stop excessive sweating of the underarms and hands. With thoracoscopic sympathectomy, Dignity Health surgeons can perform this same surgery by making only a few incisions in the chest.

Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS)

Our specially trained surgeons are experts in the use of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). This recently developed, minimally invasive lung surgery is typically used in the diagnosis of cancer or other pulmonary diseases. Small incisions are made in the chest wall, between ribs, so there is less pain for the patient. This allows our surgeons to insert a small camera to get a better view of the chest cavity, and then easily remove masses close to the lungs and test them for cancer.

Nissen Fundoplication (Anti-Reflux Surgery)

Dignity Health Sacramento offers our patients the option of minimally invasive surgery, called laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication, to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The procedure involves wrapping the stomach around the LES (Lower Esophageal Sphincter) muscle so acid cannot back up into the esophagus.

Benefits of Minimally Invasive Surgery

While all surgery results in some pain and discomfort, minimally invasive surgery means:

  • Surgeons can operate regardless of other disease(s) present
  • Better tolerance of post-operative chemotherapy
  • Shorter hospital stay
  • Faster recovery
  • Less blood loss, pain and scarring
  • Less risk of infection and post-operative complications

See a Lung & Esophageal Surgical Specialist

You may be a candidate for minimally invasive laparoscopic lung or esophageal surgery. For a referral to a Dignity Health specialist, please call (888) 253-1704.

Lung & Esophageal Surgery