Thoracic surgery
PD Dr. Patrick Zardo
In close cooperation with the Clinical Department of Pneumology, the Thoracic Surgery Division is responsible for the surgical treatment of all benign and malignant diseases of the lungs (including the bronchi and trachea), the pleura, the chest wall, tumors or inflammatory diseases of the mediastinum and the diaphragm. If the large vessels and the heart are involved, operations can be performed using a heart-lung machine.
The treatment of patients with lung cancer or other thoracic tumors is discussed on an interdisciplinary basis at weekly interdisciplinary tumor conferences in order to provide patients with the best possible treatment. Modern, multimodal therapy concepts are used.
Minimally invasive correction of thoracic deformities
Since April 2014, a modification of the minimally invasive funnel chest correction operation, originally described by Donald Nuss in 1998, has been offered in thoracic surgery: The Pilegaard technique can offer advantages, particularly for funnel chest findings that are not extremely pronounced without severe asymmetry, in terms of reduced postoperative pain symptoms and a further reduction in the risk of rod dislocation. Shorter rods are implanted asymmetrically. During the outpatient consultation, the advantages and disadvantages of the surgical procedures are discussed in detail with each individual patient once the indication for surgery has been clarified.
Main areas of treatment
- Minimally invasive lung cancer surgery for early-stage carcinomas (VATS lobectomy)
- Metastasis surgery using modern laser technology (LIMAX® laser)
- Minimally invasive funnel chest corrective surgery (NUSS method, Pilegaard technique)
- Surgery of mediastinal and chest wall tumors
- Funnel chest / keel chest
Treatment spectrum
- Resection of benign and malignant diseases and tumors of the chest, lungs and airways (bronchus, trachea)
- Diagnostic operations to clarify lung diseases (mediastinoscopy, VATS)
- Thymectomy (removal of the thymus) for myasthenia gravis
- Correction of thoracic deformities such as funnel chest and keel chest
- Treatment of injuries to the chest and sternum (rib fractures, sternal instability)
- Surgical treatment of thoracic outlet syndrome (resection of the 1st rib or cervical rib)
- Sympathectomy for hyperhidrosis (increased sweating of the head, hands and arms)
- Palliative care for patients with serious lung diseases
