Thoracic & Esophageal Surgery
We offer decades of experience, knowledge, and innovation all coming together with advanced treatments and compassionate care.
You can rest assured that you will receive the very best comprehensive, innovative, and supportive care in the region.
At the WVU Heart and Vascular Institute, our board-certified, and fellowship-trained thoracic surgeons treat patients with diseases of the chest (thorax), lungs, and upper gastrointestinal system (esophagus and stomach), using the most advanced equipment and latest surgical techniques including minimally-invasive robotic surgery and video-assisted thoracic surgery to achieve the best possible patient outcomes.
Our thoracic surgery team, along with the support of cardiologists, oncologist, gastroenterologist, pulmonologist, radiation oncologist, respiratory therapists and other specialists, including collaboration with the WVU Cancer Institute, perform the most straightforward to the most complex thoracic procedures on adults.
NATIONAL AWARDS AND RECOGNITION
U.S. News & World Report’s Best Hospitals 2020-21: High Performing in Lung Surgery
U.S. News & World Report’s Best Hospitals 2020-21 designated our Lung Surgery program as High Performing in the Procedures and Conditions category. Read full story
Three-star (highest) rating from The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS)
We earned a distinguished three-star (highest) rating from The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) for esophageal cancer patient care and robotic esophagostomy outcomes. The rating, which denotes the highest category of quality, places the WVU Heart and Vascular Institute among the elite in the United States and Canada for general thoracic surgery. Read full story.
Conditions we treat
Chest Cancers
- Esophageal Cancer
- Lung Cancer
- Lymphoma
- Mesothelioma
Swallowing Problems
- Achalasia
- Barrett’s esophagus
- Esophageal diverticulum
- Esophagitis
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Hiatal hernia
- Swallowing problems associated with Myasthenia gravis
Chest-related Problems
- Pectus excavatum
- Pericardial effusions
- Pleural effusions
- Pneumothorax
- Rib abnormalities
Other
- Emphysema
- Lung Failure
- Tracheal Stenosis
- Hyperhidrosis
Treatments and Procedures
Screening techniques and surgical procedures include:
- Bronchoscopy
- Bronchus surgery
- Clagget’s Window
- Epigastric hernia repair
- Esophageal surgery
- Heller myotomy
- Hiatal hernia repair
- Laparoscopic antireflux surgery
- Lobectomy
- Lung Volume Reduction Surgery
- Mediastinal surgery
- Myasthenia Gravis
- Pericardial Window
- POEM (Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy)
- Robotically assisted lung resection surgery
- Surgical treatment of hyperhydrosis
- Thoracentesis
- Thymectomy
- Thyroidectomy
- Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery (VATS)
Minimally invasive and robotic assisted surgeries
These surgeries are minimally invasive advanced procedures using the Da Vinci robot. With minimally invasive procedures some patients experience less pain, and faster recoveries than other surgeries, helping you spend less time in the hospital. Robotic surgery options include:
- Esophagectomy to remove part of the esophagus
- Lung-preserving surgery
- Sympathectomy for excessive sweating
- Lung resection for thoracic outlet syndrome
- Hiatal hernia repair
- Heller myotomy to release the muscle at the end of the esophagus
Laparoscopic and endoscopic surgeries
These surgeries use fewer incisions or no incisions. With fewer incisions, patients are at a lower risk for pain, bleeding and infection. Patients also have a faster recovery from surgery. Laparoscopic surgeries include:
- LINX magnetic ring for GERD to prevent stomach acid from entering the esophagus
- Endoscopic mucosal resection to remove damaged or cancerous areas of the esophagus
- Radiofrequency ablation to burn away cancerous or damaged cells
- Cryoablation to freeze away cancerous or damaged cells
- Transoral stapling of the diverticulum to treat Zenk’s divertuculum
- Per oral endoscopic myotomy to release the muscle at the end of the esophagus
About our Centers of Excellence
Robotic Thoracic Surgery Program
Our physicians have more experience performing robotic surgeries than any other surgeons in the region. We also have one of the most structured robotic thoracic surgeries programs in country, giving patients access to the latest care and highly trained surgeons. Our program aims to improve patient safety as well as the quality of robotic surgeries.
Center for Benign Esophageal Disease: We collaborate with our Digestive Diseases team to provide diagnosis and cutting-edge therapies that include high-resolution manometry, impedance, and BRAVO capsule aid in difficult diagnoses. Learn more here.
Esophageal Cancer Program: We take pride in the quality of care given to esophageal cancer patients. Robotic esophagostomy is used for esophageal cancer procedures. Find out more here.
Center for Airway Disease: We offer multiple minimally invasive options for patients with complicated airway disease. Tracheal stenosis, endobronchial tumors, and bronchial strictures can be treated with ablative therapy, cryotherapy, photodynamic therapy, endobronchial stenting, endobronchial valves, and tracheal resection. Conventional modalities of rigid and flexible bronchoscopy are also available.
Adult ECMO Program: The only program of its kind in the state, it is a nationally recognized Center of Excellence, providing the highest level of care and outcomes. Learn more about the Adult ECMO program.
Advanced Lung Cancer Program: Our multidisciplinary program, which includes radiation and medical oncology, provides SBRT and uses state-of-the-art technology to treat stage III and IV lung cancer. We also offer immunotherapy, ablative therapy, and a mesothelioma program. Find out more here.
Lung Preservation Surgery Program: We are one of only a few programs in the country that can remove one-eighth of the lung, called a segment, rather than an entire lobe.
Lung Cancer Screening Program: Lung cancer screening uses a low dose CT scan (LDCT) of the chest to screen for a lung mass or nodule that could indicate lung cancer. Find out more information on lung cancer screenings.
Additional Video Resources
Patient Story
Diana explains how after 15 years of chronic cough and reflux, our team helped her find relief.
Latest News
WVU Heart and Vascular Institute surgeons perform the first completely robotic-assisted aortic valve replacement, mitral valve repair, and surgical ablation for atrial fibrillation.
Virtual Second Opinion Clinic
We now offer a Virtual Second Opinion Clinic for anyone, anywhere. Now it’s safe and easy to have an expert review your case and proposed treatment plans.
Opening in September 2020
Clinical Research
The experts at the WVU Heart and Vascular Institute conduct ongoing heart and vascular clinical trials and research studies.
Academics & Fellowship Programs
Learn more about the WVU School of Medicine Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery.
For more information or to schedule an appointment,
call 855-WVU-CARE, or schedule online.
Our Thoracic Surgery Faculty
With decades of experience, our thoracic surgery team is one of the most experienced teams you will find anywhere. Our world-renowned thoracic surgery experts have been recognized around the world for their innovations and contributions to the field of thoracic surgery.
Ghulam Abbas, MD
Associate Professor, Division of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery
Chief, Department of Thoracic Surgery, WVU Heart and Vascular Institute
Surgical Director of Thoracic Oncology, WVU Cancer Institute
Percival Buenaventura, MD
Associate Professor, Division of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery
Director of Esophageal Surgery; Director of Outreach Thoracic Services, WVU Heart and Vascular Institute
Adam Hansen, MD
Associate Professor, Division of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery
Department of Thoracic Surgery, United Hospital Center
Jeremiah Hayanga, MD
Associate Professor, Division of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery
Director, Adult ECMO Program, WVU Heart and Vascular Institute
Jason Lamb, MD
Assistant Professor, Division of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery
Director, Thoracic Surgical Quality; Co-Director, Outreach Thoracic Services, WVU Heart & Vascular Institute
Alper Toker, MD
Professor, Division of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery
Director, Tracheal Reconstruction, WVU Heart & Vascular Institute
Locations
Through partnerships and affiliations with local hospitals and clinics, we bring access to complete comprehensive care for patients across West Virginia, and into surrounding regions, including Maryland, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, and beyond. It is also our privilege to work with community providers and help provide advanced care for their patients.
WVU Heart and Vascular Institute Main Campus at J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital
1 Medical Center Drive
Morgantown, WV 26506
Phone: 877-988-4478
Services: Clinic, Surgery
WVU Heart and Vascular Institute at Camden Clark Medical Center
705 Garfield Avenue
Parkersburg, WV 26101
Phone: 304-424-4760
Services: Clinic, Surgery
Davis Medical Center - Clinic
812 Gorman Avenue
Elkins, WV
Phone: 855-WVU-CARE
Services: Clinic
Garrett Regional Medical Center - Clinic
13079 Garrett Highway
Oakland, MD
Phone: 855-WVU-CARE
Services: Clinic
WVU Heart and Vascular Institute at Berkeley Medical Center
2000 Foundation Way, Suite 3650
Martinsburg, WV 25401
304-596-2861
Services: Clinic, Surgery
Monongahela Valley Hospital - Clinic
1163 Country Club Road
Monongahela, PA
Phone:
Services: Clinic, Surgery
Reynolds Memorial Hospital - Clinic
800 Wheeling Ave
Glen Dale, WV 26038
Phone: 304-845-0100
Services: Clinic
United Hospital Center
527 Medical Park Drive
Bridgeport, WV 26330
Phone: 681-342-3730
Services: Clinic, Surgery

WVU Heart and Vascular Institute at Wheeling Hospital
20 Medical Park, Ste. 105
Wheeling, WV 26003
Phone: 304-242-4800
Services: Clinic, Surgical Procedures