The thoracic surgery program at Rush provides a wide range of options for benign disorders, including:

• Chest and chest wall
  • Complex infections (e.g., empyema, fungal infections, tuberculosis)
  • Hyperhydrosis
  • Pectus deformities
  • Thoracic outlet syndrome
  • Thoracic trauma
• Esophagus
  • Barrett’s esophagus
  • Benign tumors
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
  • Esophageal diverticulae
  • Esophageal motility disorders (e.g., achlasia)
  • Esophageal perforation and corrosive injuries
  • Esophageal strictures
  • Paraesophageal and hiatal hernias
• Lung
  • Bullous emphysema
  • Spontaneous pneumothoraces
  • Benign tumors and solitary pulmonary nodules
• Mediastinum
  • Myasthenia gravis
  • Superior vena cava syndrome
  • Benign tumors
• Trachea
  • Benign tumors
  • Tracheal stenosis
  • Tracheomalacia
  • Tracheoesophageal fistulae
  • Tracheostomy
• Diaphragm
  • Congenital and traumatic hernias of the diaphragm
  • Tumors and paralysis

The thoracic surgery program at Rush draws upon more than 70 years of combined experience in traditional thoraic surgery and more than 15 years of combined experience in leading-edge laparascopic surgery. Surgeons in the program are supported by a team of physician assistants and nurses with extensive experience working with cancer patients and their families. For more information, click on the link at right for "Thoracic Surgery Team."