Year after year, UCHealth’s Comprehensive Lung and Breathing Program in metro Denver is recognized among the nation’s top lung programs by U.S. News & World Report.
No matter where you live—whether in Colorado or traveling from elsewhere—our advanced lung specialists are here to provide the most effective, leading-edge care available. We use the latest procedures, minimally invasive techniques and innovative technologies to diagnose and treat both short-term and complex, long-term respiratory conditions.
If you’d like to learn more about how our nationally recognized team can support your lung health, call 720.848.0748.
The best treatment from the best team
Thoracic surgery focuses on treating the organs within your chest—including the lungs, esophagus and trachea—as well as the rib cage and breastbone that form the chest wall. These procedures require precision, specialized training and close coordination across multiple disciplines.
At UCHealth, our thoracic surgeons bring focused training and decades of experience. They work closely with experts in gastroenterology, oncology, pulmonology, pathology and other specialties to ensure every patient receives coordinated care based on the latest evidence and techniques. Whatever brings you to us, you’ll have a dedicated team committed to your procedure, recovery and long‑term health.
Our surgical specialties
We specialize in:
- Chest wall and chest deformity surgery
- Esophageal surgery
- Lung cancer surgery
- Lung transplants
- Lung volume reduction surgery
- Mediastinal surgery
- Minimally-invasive and robotic surgery (video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery)
- Thoracic surgical oncology
- Tracheal surgery
Expert diagnosis for lung and mediastinal conditions
Our thoracic surgeons and pulmonology specialists work together to diagnose a wide range of lung and mediastinal diseases. Using advanced imaging, minimally invasive techniques, and coordinated expertise across specialties, we identify conditions with accuracy and create a care plan tailored to your needs.
Advanced approach: robotic thoracic surgery
Our surgeons are leaders in robotic thoracic surgery – one of the most advanced and minimally invasive approaches available today. This technology enables procedures such as diagnostic lung biopsies, lobectomies, and removal of mediastinal tumors with exceptional precision.
Robotic systems provide a high‑definition, magnified 3D view of the surgical area and translate the surgeon’s hand movements into tiny, exact motions of specialized instruments. This enhances visibility and control and may reduce the physical impact of surgery. Many patients report less pain, improved early mobility, and a quicker return to daily activities.
Expertise in chest wall disorders
In addition to standard thoracic surgery, our surgeons are also experts in treating problems with the chest wall, including:
- Chest wall infections
- Chest wall trauma
- Chest wall tumors
- Cleft sternum
- Pectus carinatum
- Pectus carinatum (pigeon chest)
- Pectus excavatum (sunken chest)
- Poland syndrome
- Thoracic outlet syndrome: neurogenic, arterial and venous
- Post-sternotomy complications (e.g., unstable sternum, sternotomy dehiscence)
This depth of experience means our thoracic surgery team is prepared to care for any chest wall condition—from straightforward to highly complex—with a personalized plan built around your health and recovery.
Provider videos: understanding thoracic surgery
Understanding thoracic surgery through our providers (click an entry below to view that video)
- Lung surgery – different types, risks and recovery
- How do you treat lung cancer with surgery?
- What is robotic lung surgery?
- What is subglottic stenosis and is it life-threatening?
- What are the symptoms and treatments of upper airway tumors?
- What is pectus excavatum?
- How do you treat pectus excavatum?
Scheduling
Please call to schedule your appointment.
At your scheduled appointment, please provide all the following information:
- Photo ID
- Insurance card
- Referral (if needed)
To allow enough time to complete your check-in process, please arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment.
We require 24 hour advance notice if you cannot make it to your scheduled appointment. If you have young children who will be accompanying you to your appointment, please try to bring another adult with you to sit with the children during your time.