The Rush Approach to Thoracic Surgery

When it comes to thoracic surgery, experience matters. Performing more than 1,000 lung surgeries each year, thoracic surgeons at Rush are national and international leaders in performing minimally invasive and traditional approaches to diagnose and treat lung cancer, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and other cancerous and noncancerous disorders of the lungs, chest wall, esophagus and diaphragm.

This level of expertise allows us to personalize your care with effective treatments and approaches that will help you. Whenever possible, our team performs minimally invasive surgeries. And we have the most experience in Chicago using video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), a minimally invasive surgical procedure to diagnose and treat lung cancer and other thoracic conditions.

We also know that when you need thoracic surgery, getting in to see a surgeon quickly is key. We are typically able to get you in for an appointment within 24 to 48 hours of your call to Rush. And, we are available to see you at a number of convenient locations in Chicago, Aurora/Fox Valley and across the suburbs.

Rush Excellence in Thoracic Surgery

• Using precision medicine to improve lung cancer care: Our thoracic surgeons work closely with Tempus — a biotechnology company that analyzes your specific genetic and clinical data and provides information about how your specific cancer may respond to targeted treatments. This allows our team to tailor your lung cancer treatment to your unique genetic makeup.
• Nationally ranked for lung cancer surgery: The Society of Thoracic Surgeons has designated thoracic surgery at Rush a three-star program — the society’s highest rating — for lung cancer surgeries. Rush is one of 13 thoracic surgery programs in the nation that has earned the three-star distinction, which denotes an excellent program with better-than-expected outcomes for patients.
• Leaders in minimally invasive surgery: If you need a lobectomy, your thoracic surgeon at Rush may recommend a video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) lobectomy. VATS is a minimally invasive surgery that can remove lung cancer, while allowing you to recover faster and with less pain than a traditional surgery. Our surgeons are highly skilled in VATS, performing more of these procedures than any other hospital in Illinois. 
• Second opinions in person or with telemedicine: If you’re looking to confirm your diagnosis or fully explore your surgical options, Rush thoracic surgeons can help. Schedule a second opinion by calling (888) 352-RUSH (7874). If you're an Illinois resident, we also offer virtual second opinions for thoracic surgery.