Procedures Performed by Dr. Roberts

Thoracic surgery treats disease of the organs inside the chest: the lungs, esophagus, mediastinum, and chest wall. Work spans elective and emergency operations, and it is done alongside pulmonologists, oncologists, gastroenterologists, and radiologists so that surgery fits into a complete plan.

Lung surgery

Lobectomy removes one lobe of the lung and is most often performed for lung cancer. It offers the best chance of cure for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer and can be done open, thoracoscopically, or robotically.

Segmentectomy and wedge resection remove smaller portions of lung tissue. Segmentectomy is anatomically precise, taking a bronchopulmonary segment, while a wedge resection removes a smaller peripheral piece. Pneumonectomy, removal of an entire lung, is reserved for extensive disease.

Esophageal and mediastinal surgery

Esophagectomy removes part or all of the esophagus for cancer and some benign conditions, with reconstruction to restore swallowing. Minimally invasive approaches shorten recovery considerably.

Thymectomy removes the thymus gland, performed for thymoma and for myasthenia gravis. Other mediastinal tumors and cysts are removed open or robotically depending on size and location.

Pleural, airway, and chest wall procedures

Pleurectomy and decortication treat mesothelioma and severe empyema by removing the pleural lining or the scar tissue restricting lung expansion. Pleurodesis prevents recurrent fluid from re-accumulating.

Bronchoscopy allows visualization and sampling of the airways, and interventional bronchoscopy adds stent placement, tumor ablation, and foreign body removal. Tracheal resection and reconstruction treat narrowing or obstruction of the trachea.

Chest wall resection and reconstruction address tumors or infection involving bone and soft tissue, rebuilt with prosthetics, muscle flaps, or synthetic material.

Nerve, trauma, and diaphragm

Thoracic sympathectomy involves cutting or clipping sympathetic nerves to treat hyperhidrosis, certain pain syndromes, and some refractory arrhythmias.

Thoracic surgeons manage chest trauma including rib fractures, flail chest, lung lacerations, and injury to the great vessels or diaphragm. Dr. Roberts worked as a trauma surgeon before training in thoracic surgery.

Diaphragm repair treats congenital or acquired hernias and injuries, closing tears or reinforcing weak areas with mesh.

Conditions commonly treated

• Primary or metastatic lung cancer
• Esophageal cancer and benign esophageal disorders
• Mediastinal tumors and cysts
• Recurrent or persistent pneumothorax
• Pleural effusions, empyema, and pleural masses
• Chest wall tumors or trauma
• Tracheal and bronchial stenosis
• Severe myasthenia gravis
• Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)

What has changed

Minimally invasive and robotic technique has reduced pain after surgery, shortened hospital stays, and improved cosmetic results. Better imaging, including 3D CT, PET, and intraoperative navigation, has sharpened diagnosis and planning. Enhanced recovery protocols and multidisciplinary teams have lifted outcomes further.

Thoracic surgery can be life-saving, and it still carries risk, including bleeding, infection, and respiratory complications. Those risks are discussed openly and specifically at your consultation.