Thoracic Surgery Department

The Department of Thoracic Surgery at Astghik Medical Center was founded in 2017.

The clinic's priority is endoscopic surgery (performed through small incisions using video camera guidance on the chest and abdominal organs) using the most advanced equipment, including a thoracoscope and laparoscopic video tower with 4K resolution, ICG function, and video mediastinoscope.

Such technologies minimize surgical trauma, contribute to the patient's quick return to an active life, and provide a good cosmetic effect. The accumulated experience in the clinic allows for performing extensive and complex surgical interventions using these methods, such as broncho- and angioplastic lung resections, mediastinal tumor removal, and reconstructive operations on the esophagus.

The department operates around the clock and is fully equipped with centralized oxygen and vacuum systems.

The department staff consists of thoracic and thoracoabdominal surgeons, a pulmonologist, and an endoscopy specialist. The department serves as the clinical base for the Department of Thoracic Surgery at the National Health Institute named after Academician S. Avdalbekyan. Regular internships for physicians in leading clinics worldwide, participation in international scientific events, and the implementation of new surgical technologies in the clinic's practice enable maintaining a high level of thoracic surgical care. The diagnosis and treatment of thoracic diseases are carried out in accordance with modern European standards.

The presence of highly qualified specialists and modern equipment allows for solving the most complex surgical tasks. The department's staff performs a wide range of operations on the neck, chest, and abdomen for oncological and benign diseases, suppurative-destructive conditions, injuries, and the trauma, including:

• Video-assisted thoracoscopic and open resection of part of the lung (sublobar resection, lobectomy, bilobectomy) or the entire lung (pneumonectomy, pneumonectomy with resection of the tracheal bifurcation) with resection and reconstruction of major vessels.
• Video-assisted thoracoscopic subtotal pleurectomy for recurrent pneumothorax. Lung volume reduction for bullous emphysema.
• Operations for pulmonary, liver, mediastinal echinococcosis: cyst removal, capitonnage, lung resection.
• Video-assisted thoracoscopic and open operations for the removal of tumors and cysts of the mediastinum (thymomas, bronchogenic and enterogenic cysts, teratomas, neurinomas, sarcomas, germinogenic, and other tumors).
• Tracheal operations for tumors and scar stenosis (circumferential tracheal resection, tracheoplasty).
• Video mediastinoscopy, lymph node biopsy/removal of the mediastinum.
• Tracheal and bronchial stenting for scar stenosis, tumors, and fistulas.
• Valve bronchial occlusion.
• Removal of neoplasms and foreign bodies from the trachea and bronchi using flexible and rigid endoscopy.
• Total bronchoalveolar lavage for pulmonary proteinosis.
• Video-assisted thoracoscopic sympathectomy for palmar hyperhidrosis, Raynaud's disease.
• Resection of the chest wall for tumors and metastases (rib metastases, tumors of the superior thoracic aperture, Pancoast tumor, etc.).
• Reconstructive operations on the chest wall.
• Operations for thoracic outlet syndrome: video-assisted thoracoscopic and open resection of the first rib.
• Video-assisted thoraco-laparoscopic esophageal resection for neoplastic and decompensated non-neoplastic diseases with simultaneous replacement of the esophagus (creating an artificial esophagus from the stomach or from the small/large intestine).
• Laparoscopic and open operations for gastric cancer: proximal and distal resection, gastrectomy.
• Video-assisted laparoscopic operations for hiatal hernias with cruroplasty or mesh plastic repair.
• Diaphragm plastic surgery for traumatic hernias and relaxation, including the use of implants.
• Video-assisted laparoscopic extramucosal esophagocardiomiotomy with fundoplication for cardial achalasia.
• Removal of esophageal diverticulum, including thoracoscopic or laparoscopic approaches.
• Closure of esophagotracheal fistulas.
• Bougienage and dilation of esophageal strictures.
• Treatment of benign and malignant breast tumors.
• Neck surgery