Thoracic

Thoracic Surgery

The Division of Thoracic Surgery is dedicated to the prevention, early diagnosis and treatment of (non-cardiac) diseases of the chest.  We provide service to a broad range of thoracic issues at both the Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions and the Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, including:

• lung cancer
• benign diseases and tumors of the lung
• lung volume reduction surgery for emphysema
• esophageal cancer
• benign esophageal diseases (including achalasia, benign tumors and strictures)
• esophageal reconstruction
• gastroesophageal reflux
• mediastinal tumors and diseases (including the surgical treatment of myasthenia gravis)
• mesothelioma
• pleural diseases (including pneumothorax, infections and pleural effusions)
• chest wall tumors
• esophageal cancer
• sympathectomy for hyperhidrosis
• plication for diaphragm paralysis
• tracheal resection or stent insertion for airway narrowing
• lung transplantation for end-stage diseases of the lung

Our faculty provides state-of-the-art surgical techniques and oncologic therapies, with a major focus in basic science research of lung and esophageal cancer and how it applies clinically to the early diagnosis and prediction of cure in these deadly diseases.  We are able to apply the modern techniques of minimally invasive procedures including video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) and robotics surgery to many disease processes for the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer and other chest diseases.

Since its creation in 1986, The Division consists of dedicated, board certified thoracic surgeons, and has been the leader in surgical volumes and novel approaches in the state of Maryland and the Baltimore-Washington area for many years, particularly in the areas of lung and esophageal cancer.  We were the first to introduce the concept of lung transplantation with research in the 1970’s, while developing a premier transplant program over the past decade.  The first pediatric, double lung, living donor, and partial lung (lobar) transplants in the area were performed at this Institution.  We have formulated an aggressive approach to lung cancer, and have extended the indications of surgery to the patient who is older, who has borderline lung function, and who has advanced disease who otherwise would have been denied surgery.  We have published widely in the use of patient care pathways to lower hospital costs and lengths of stay, and in esophageal cancer where high surgical volumes lead to better results.  The first use of robotic technology in the area for thoracic surgery was introduced at this Institution.

Our faculty is known nationally and internationally for their leadership in the field of thoracic surgery, and the excellence in clinical and basic science research.  Our research mission focuses on the early diagnosis, better staging, and prediction of recurrent disease in lung and esophageal cancer.  We have developed multidisciplinary approaches to the treatment of these diseases which enable us to provide optimal surgical and non-surgical treatment options while streamlining consultations with other colleagues at this Institution.

Our faculty includes:

Stephen C. Yang, M.D., F.A.C.S, F.C.C.P.
Chief, Division of Thoracic Surgery
Associate Professor of Surgery and Oncology

Malcolm V. Brock, M.D.
Assistant Professor of Surgery

Avedis Meneshian, M.D.
Assistant Professor of Surgery

Marc Sussman, M.D.
Assistant Professor of Surgery

For new patient appointments, please call 410-933-1233.