Innovative Surgical Techniques Lead to Better Outcomes for Patients

Providence Thoracic Surgery Program

Case Mix - 2005

Given the large number of thoracic surgeries we perform (439 in 2005 alone), Providence is in a unique position to be the regional quality leader. We track outcomes for all chest surgeries performed in our facilities. Our Thoracic Surgery Program surgeons participate in quarterly quality assessment meetings where treatment patterns are evaluated based on statistical data and evidence-based medical research. By monitoring our operative complication rates and mortality, we consistently out-perform national standards in patient care and treatment of diseases, such as cancers of the lung, esophagus and chest wall.

Mediastinal Lymph Node Dissections with Anatomic Lung Resections (2005)

Standard of care mandates mediastinal lymph node dissection as a vital part of curative lung cancer surgery for accurate staging and possibly improved survival. However, only approximately 60 percent of lung cancer surgeries in the United States include this accepted practice (1). These data demonstrate the nearly 100 percent performance of the Providence Thoracic Surgery surgeons in this crucial area.

Minimally Invasive Thoracic Surgery - 2005

VATS = Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery

Of all the surgeries performed in the Providence Thoracic Surgery Program in 2005, over 40 percent were minimally invasive. This includes difficult, highly skilled procedures such as VATS lobectomy and VATS esophagectomy. Video-assisted thoracic surgeries avoid the large incisions and protracted recovery of standard operations. Patients undergoing minimally invasive surgery typically recover faster with less postoperative disability than with traditional surgeries.

Types of VATS - 2005

Minimally invasive, video-assisted thoracic surgery is appropriate for a variety of procedures, from lobectomy for cure of lung cancer to palliative procedures to improve patient’s quality of life.

Resources

• Make a referral
• Visit the Providence Thoracic Surgery Program

References

1. Little et al. “Patterns of Surgical Care of Lung Cancer Patients,” Ann Thorac Surg (2005); 80:2051-6.