Derriford Hospital provides a tertiary referral service for both thoracic and oesophagogastric surgery.  The team of surgeons provide a diagnostic and surgical service for paediatric and adult patients with diseases of the trachea, lungs, pleura, oesophagus, stomach, diaphragm, mediastinum, and chest wall.

The thoracic and oesophagogastric unit covers the Southwest of England.  A large volume of referrals is managed, ranging from minor to complex major surgery, employing the most up to date technology and surgical techniques.

A multi-disciplinary team manages thoracic and oesophagogastric patients, including:

• Radiology specialists
• Pathologists
• Oncologists
• Nurse specialists
• Physiotherapists
• Occupational Health specialists
• Speech therapists
• Dieticians

The surgeons have out-patient clinics in Derriford hospital and in peripheral hospitals in the Peninsula giving patients a comprehensive access to all our services.

Pre-admission clinics are held in Derriford hospital, preparing our patients for surgery.  Patients who require surgery will be given a complete perioperative, postoperative and discharge care plan to give clear instructions, including the necessity of further convalescence care when anticipated.

Consultant Surgeons

Mr. J. Rahamim -  Paediatric and Adult Thoracic Surgery, Oesophageal and Gastric Surgery
Mr. J. Unsworth-White - Thoracic Surgery
Mr. A. Marchbank - Thoracic Surgery
Mr. T. Wheatley - Oesophageal and Gastric Surgery

Surgery is undertaken in Derriford hospital.  The new Southwest Cardiothoracic Centre will open later this year.  The new operating theatres will have a dedicated theatre for thoracic and oesophagogastric surgery.

Preoperative and postoperative care is provided on a specialised thoracic surgical ward.  Tavy ward has a high dependency facility with full patient monitoring, and specialised pulmonary physiotherapy.

Thoracic Surgery Undertaken at Derriford Hospital

Diagnostic procedures and surgery are performed for a wide range of diseases and conditions affecting the lungs and chest cavity.

General Adult Thoracic:

Tracheal Surgery:
~ Resection and Reconstruction
 ~ Correction of Chest wall Deformities
 ~ Lung Volume Reduction surgery
 ~ Diaphragmatic Surgery
 ~ Minimal Invasive Thoracic Surgery
          Lung Biopsy and Resection
          Mediastinal Biopsy
          Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy
          Pericardial Window
          Pleurectomy and/or Pleurodesis
          Pleural Biopsy
          Pleurex Drain insertion
Lung Cancer:
~ Bronchoscopy
~ Video assisted Mediastinoscopy
~ Mediastinostomy
 ~ Lung Resections:
          Wedge resection
          Segmentectomy
          Lobectomy
          Sleeve Resection
          Pneumonectomy
~ Mediastinal Tumour resection
~ Chest Wall Resection and Reconstruction for cancer
~ Palliative Surgery for Cancer:
          Endoluminal stenting of bronchus and trachea
          Laser Resections
~ Sternum Resection and Reconstruction

Paediatric Emergency Thoracic Surgery

Major Oesophageal and Gastric Procedures:

Anti-reflux procedures – both open and minimally invasive
Laparoscopic Hiatus Hernia Repair
Motility Disorders
Diverticulectomy and Oesophageal myotomy
Major Oesophageal and Gastric Resections for Cancer
Oesophageal and Pyloric Stenting
Laser Resections