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Dedicated to excellence in the field of thoracic surgery

The Department of Thoracic Surgery and Lung Transplantation at Baylor University Medical Center, part of Baylor Scott & White Health is dedicated to excellence in the field of thoracic surgery. Surgeons on the medical staff have world-renowned reputations in thoracic oncology, minimally invasive surgery, esophageal disorders and lung transplantation. Our advanced treatments provide you with quality outcomes and are coupled with compassionate care.

The thoracic surgeons here in Dallas offer fast access and treatment, as well as complete follow up, coordinating all aspects of your care and working closely with your other physicians. The Department of Thoracic Surgery and Lung Transplantation focuses exclusively on the treatment of noncardiac chest disease and was chartered as a separate department in 2014.

Thoracic surgeons work closely with physicians at the Baylor Scott & White Charles A. Sammons Cancer Center – Dallas and the Baylor Annette C. and Harold C. Simmons Transplant Institute to ensure you have access to research and clinical trials.

Located at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas (ranked the #1 hospital in Dallas-Fort Worth by U.S. News & World Report), the Department of Thoracic Surgery is centrally located in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex for easy access.

Highly specialized treatment for the chest

​​​​​​​​​​​​​Many of the minimally invasive techniques used today in thoracic surgery, like minimally invasive VATS (video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery) for lung cancer and robotic surgery for the treatment of thoracic diseases, were pioneered by the specially trained and experienced surgeons on the medical staff here in Dallas.

Diaphragm

  • Diaphragmatic plication for diaphragmatic paralysis
  • Diaphragm pacing

Esophagus

  • Benign esophageal diseases
  • Achalasia
  • Gastroesophageal reflux and hiatal hernia
  • Zenker's diverticulum
  • Esophageal cancer

Lung

  • Lung cancer
  • Lung nodules
  • Lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS)
  • Lung transplantation

Mediastinum

  • Mediastinum surgery
  • Thymic tumors
  • Myasthenia Gravis
  • Neurogenic tumors
  • Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Trachea

  • Benign conditions
  • Cancer in adjacent organs
  • Malignant tumors
  • Tracheal stenosis
  • Malignant mesothelioma
  • Pleural effusions
  • Pleural infections

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO)

For certain patients experiencing heart or lung failure, Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas offers the adult ECMO program featuring a highly experienced team.

Extra Level Support for Heart or Lung Failure

Medical Leadership 

Gary Schwartz, MD

Surgical Director, Major Airway Disorders