Departments

Thoracic Surgery

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Thoracic Surgery

Leaders in Thoracic Oncology Surgery

The Division of Thoracic Surgery at Samsung Medical Center is a national leader in lung and esophageal cancer surgery, delivering world-class outcomes through high-volume expertise and advanced surgical techniques. We specialize in minimally invasive and robotic approaches, even for the most complex thoracic malignancies. By prioritizing function-preserving strategies, we aim to achieve optimal oncologic outcomes while maintaining postoperative quality of life.

Pioneering Robotic and Minimally Invasive Surgery

Our division has played a central role in establishing Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) as the national standard in Korea, contributing to its widespread adoption and clinical success. Building on this legacy, we are now recognized as a leading center for robotic thoracic surgery.

This dual expertise enables us to treat locally advanced cancers-including lung, esophageal, and mediastinal tumor-using minimally invasive techniques. In approximately 70% of complex cases, we apply advanced MIS strategies in combination with neoadjuvant therapy, significantly reducing surgical trauma compared to traditional open surgery.

Preserving quality of life is paramount. We perform advanced lung-sparing surgeries like sublobar and sleeve resection. Each case is carefully reviewed by our multidisciplinary team to ensure the optimal balance between complete cancer removal and preserving your future lung function.

Specialized Expertise

Lung Cancer Surgery

With more than 1,800 lung cancer surgeries performed annually, we are among the highest-volume centers in the country. Our team specializes in advanced MIS and lung-sparing to achieve excellent oncologic and functional outcomes.

Esophageal Cancer Surgery

Performing approximately 200 cases annually, we are a national leader in esophageal cancer surgery. Over 80% of procedures are performed using robotic or MIS techniques, allowing for precise reconstruction with reduced complication rates.

Lung Transplantation

Our lung transplantation program provides advanced care for patients with end-stage lung disease. We successfully perform high-risk transplants?including those requiring ECMO bridging or re-transplantation with outstanding survival outcomes.

Advancing Thoracic Surgery Through Research and Innovation

Our division is deeply committed to advancing thoracic surgery through groundbreaking research. Our surgeons are not just clinicians; they are researchers shaping the future of care. We actively lead domestic and international clinical trials, offering our patients access to the latest neoadjuvant therapies and innovative treatments.

Key areas of research include the development of advanced surgical techniques, integration of AI-based predictive models from imaging data, and prospective institutional studies focused on patient-centered metrics such as recovery time, pain reduction, and functional preservation.

Our findings are published in high-impact journals and presented at major global conferences, such as the WCLC and AATS, contributing to the global advancement of thoracic surgical care. This dedication to research and innovation means our patients receive care that is not only the best today but is also shaping the best of tomorrow.