Thoracic Surgery
Vanderbilt’s Thoracic Surgery program is known for its commitment to excellence in patient care. We offer a wide variety of surgical options for diseases and disorders affecting the chest. These include conditions of the lung and esophagus. We perform more than 900 surgeries each year, giving us the experience to provide the best possible care for you.
Conditions We Treat
We treat all thoracic conditions, including:
- Cancer
- Chest wall hernias
- Complications of granulomatous disease
- Congenital disorders of the esophagus
- Congenital lung abnormalities
Meet Your Care Team
Matthew BacchettaMD, MBA, MA
- Cardiac Surgery, Lung Transplant, Lung Transplantation, Lung/Thoracic Cancer, Pulmonary Endarterectomy for Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension, Surgery for Diseases of the Lung, Surgery for Diseases of the Rib Cage and Diaphragm
Caitlin T. DemarestMD, PhD
- Lung Transplantation, Robotic Surgery, Surgery for Diseases of the Esophagus, Surgery for Diseases of the Lung, Surgery for Diseases of the Rib Cage and Diaphragm, Thoracic Surgery
Eric L. GroganMD, MPH
- Lung Conditions, Lung Transplant, Lung Transplantation, Lung/Thoracic Cancer, Surgery for Diseases of the Lung, Surgery for Diseases of the Rib Cage and Diaphragm, Surgery for Lung Cancer and Esophageal Cancer
Eric S. LambrightMD
- Lung Conditions, Lung Transplant, Lung Transplantation, Lung/Thoracic Cancer, Surgery for Diseases of the Lung, Surgery for Diseases of the Rib Cage and Diaphragm, Surgery for Lung Cancer and Esophageal Cancer
Allan PickensMD
- Esophageal Cancer, Lung Cancer, Lung Transplant, Lung/Thoracic Cancer, Minimally Invasive Surgery, Robotic Surgery, Surgery for Diseases of the Rib Cage and Diaphragm
Why Choose Thoracic Surgery at Vanderbilt
- Experienced doctors
Our surgeons are specially trained in every type of thoracic surgery. They care for people with complex conditions, including those who need extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO).
- Recognized care
Our surgeons are part of the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, home to a nationally recognized lung cancer program. Vanderbilt is the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in Tennessee caring for adults with cancer.
- Innovation
We offer minimally invasive surgery, such as video-assistant (VATS) surgery and robotic surgery, which reduces pain and recovery time.
- Team approach
Our surgeons partner with doctors from interventional pulmonology, medical oncology, radiation oncology and other specialties to develop a personalized care plan for you. We also worked with anesthesiologists to develop the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) program. The program is designed to lessen the impact of surgery and anesthesia and help you quickly return to normal activities.
- Telehealth
We can offer specialty follow-up care through a simple video consult with your local doctor. This means you have access to a Vanderbilt specialist but can stay close to home.
Tests, Treatments and Services
We offer a full range of tests, treatments and services, including: