Thoracic surgery encompasses organ systems in the chest and upper abdomen. This includes organs of the respiratory system (lungs, airway, ribcage and breastbone), the upper gastrointestinal tract (esophagus and stomach) and the mediastinum (the centre of the chest cavity).
Michael Garron Hospital (MGH) is a Level 1 Thoracic Surgery Centre that provides comprehensive thoracic surgery care encompassing nearly all areas of chest surgical disease, including that of which is benign and malignant.
Our team of surgeons provides surgical care to a large geographic area through our partnerships with Sunnybrook Hospital, North York General Hospital and Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre. Patients at these facilities who need thoracic procedures are sent to MGH for their surgery but are offered consultation services and post-operative follow-up at their home hospitals in their communities.
Our team of experienced and caring surgeons, nurses, physiotherapists and anesthesiologists provides elective and urgent care to patients in our community and beyond by working together to ensure timely, advanced and compassionate care. We have received two Innovation Awards from Cancer Care Ontario for our work on rapid access to care and treatment.
Areas of Expertise
Hundreds of thoracic surgery procedures are performed at MGH every year with a focus on minimally invasive surgery (video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery [VATS] and laparoscopic surgery) individualized as per patient need particularly relating to thoracic oncology (cancer surgery).
Services
- Bronchoscopy and endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS)
- Gastroscopy, stent insertion
- Mediastinoscopy
- Thoracoscopy (VATS)
- Thoracotomy
- Sternotomy (mediastinal tumours)
- Esophagectomy
- Biopsies
- Wedge excisions
Clinics and Diagnostic Services
Our thoracic surgery service features three Diagnostic Assessment Units (DAUs) that provide well-supported, timely care for our cancer patients with nurse navigators dedicated to facilitating the patient care journey.
DAUs are available at MGH, Sunnybrook Hospital and Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre. These clinics bring cancer care closer to home for our patients and their families. The Chest Centre at MGH also runs clinics almost every day of the week to ensure prompt initial consultations.
Referrals
Referral to our DAUs and clinics at the Chest Centre is simple. Referrals can be made to the thoracic team or to individual surgeons if so desired.
