Thoracic surgery refers to surgery performed on organs and tissues in the chest cavity, such as the lungs or esophagus. When medication or other treatments are not effective in treating lung cancer and diseases of the esophagus, surgery may be recommended.

Minimally invasive robotic-assisted surgery allows your surgeon to perform a precise operation with enhanced vision, dexterity and control. With Inova's state-of-the-art da Vinci® robotic surgical system, your doctor makes tiny incisions between the ribs and avoids the need for a large incision through the chest wall or to cut open the breastbone so spread the ribs.

Benefits of robotic assisted surgery over open surgery include:

• Lower rate of complications
• Less blood loss
• Shorter hospital stay
• Less pain
• Faster return to normal quality of life

Talk with your surgeon about whether robotic-assisted surgery is an option for you. Or call 1-855-My-Inova (1-855-694-6682) for a referral to one of our da Vinci robotic surgical specialists.