Spectrum of Treatment

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Scope of Treatment in Thoracic Surgery

Our range of services covers all diseases of the organs within the chest. Our focus lies on the following medical services:

All examinations are performed using state-of-the-art equipment and the latest technology:

  • Thoracoscopy (Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery – VATS)
  • Mediastinoscopy (Video-Mediastinoscopy)
  • Bronchoscopy (Video-Bronchoscopy)

These examinations are usually performed in combination with:

  • Endobronchial Ultrasound (EBUS)
  • Endoesophageal Ultrasound (EUS)
  • Intrathoracic Ultrasound (ITUS)
  • Intramediastinal Ultrasound (IMUS)

Furthermore, we specialize in performing the following examinations:

  • Thoracic Sonography (Ultrasound of the chest)
  • Transesophageal Echocardiography (Ultrasound of the heart via the esophagus)

We perform more than 65% of inpatient and over 90% of outpatient thoracic procedures using video-assisted, minimally invasive surgical techniques. In so-called “keyhole surgery,” only 2 to 3 short incisions are made. With the help of a video camera and very fine instruments, the surgical intervention is kept to a minimum. This surgical technique reduces postoperative pain, leaves significantly smaller scars, and shortens the hospital stay. Minimally invasive surgery is suitable for the following procedures:

  • Video-Assisted Mediastinal Lymphadenectomy (VAMLA)
  • Tumor removal in the mediastinum
  • Thymus removal for Myasthenia gravis (Thymectomy)
  • Removal of neuromas (nerve sheath tumors)
  • Removal of bronchogenic cysts
  • Removal of pericardial cysts
  • Creation of a pericardial window
  • Atypical lung resection for the diagnosis of interstitial lung diseases and small lung tumors
  • Anatomic lung lobe resection for bronchial carcinoma (VATS lobectomy)
  • Partial and total pleurectomy (removal of the pleura)
  • Treatment of pleural effusion
  • Thoracic sympathectomy for hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating)
  • Lung volume reduction for pulmonary emphysema
  • Pneumothorax treatment
  • Empyema debridement and decortication for pleural suppuration
  • Pediatric thoracic surgery
  • Treatment of thoracic trauma/hemocoagulothorax (traumatic injuries to the chest and lungs)
  • Pectus excavatum correction using the Nuss procedure
  • Removal of lung metastases

Our surgical center features four state-of-the-art operating rooms that enable the full range of medical technology treatments and even exceed the highest hygiene requirements. In addition to minimally invasive procedures, the Thoraxzentrum Ruhrgebiet performs a high volume of classic, open-surgical thoracic operations:

  • Complete trachea (windpipe)
  • Bronchial carcinoma (lung cancer) with extensions:
    • bronchoplastic reconstruction (sleeve resection)
    • angioplastic reconstruction (vascular sleeve/bypass replacement)
    • Pericardium
    • Atrium
    • Chest wall
  • Mediastinal tumors
  • Pleural mesothelioma (cancer of the pleura)
  • Chest wall tumors
  • Pectus excavatum and pectus carinatum correction
  • Diaphragmatic diseases
  • Lung metastases
    • supplemented with intrathoracic ultrasound
    • supplemented with LASER
  • Plastic-reconstructive chest wall surgery – in collaboration with Plastic Surgery
  • Esophageal carcinoma (esophageal cancer) – in collaboration with Visceral Surgery
  • Pediatric thoracic surgery – in collaboration with Pediatric Surgery

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