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Thoracic surgery

Thoracic surgery is a specialised medical field dealing with surgical procedures related to the organs and structures within the thoracic cavity. These involve diseases related to the lungs, the rib cage and the mediastinum. 

Thoracic surgeons are highly trained professionals who diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions affecting these vital organs, including lung cancer, pleural mesothelioma, pulmonary metastases, thymoma, emphysema and thoracic trauma. 

Surgical approaches such as open surgery, robotic-assisted surgeries and minimally invasive procedures are implemented to address these complex conditions. 

Thoracic surgeries available
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Why us for thoracic surgery?
Frequently asked questions
Our specialists

Thoracic procedures in Switzerland  

We treat all thoracic conditions and perform the full range of thoracic procedures except lung transplants.  

We treat all benign and malignant thoracic and pulmonary conditions. We work together with pulmonologists, radiologists and interventional radiologists, anaesthesiologists and specialists in intensive care medicine, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists,pathologists and specialists in pain management and palliative care. We also have a team of experienced nurses, healthcare assistants, physiotherapists and nutritionists supporting us every day.   

We have state-of-the-art diagnostic facilities including chest CT, MRI and PET scanning. We have a dedicated endoscopy suite where we perform flexible bronchoscopies and biopsies. Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) and endobronchial navigation, ultrasound or CT-guided biopsies of lung nodules or thoracic tumours are performed by our multi-disciplinary network.  

Treatments available

  • Lung cancer surgery for various cancers such as mesothelioma and complex resections. 

  • The surgical removal of part or all of a lung to treat lung cancer, tumours, severe lung infections or emphysema.

  • Thymus/ mediastinal tumours: Thymus and mediastinal tumours require a surgical intervention, involving the extraction of the thymus gland to manage thymoma and myasthenia gravis. This procedure targets medical issues located within the central chest region, called the mediastinum.  

  • Minimally Invasive Procedures: Techniques like video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery and robotic-assisted surgery using small incisions (keyholes surgery) and specialised tools offer less invasive treatments and faster recovery times. 

Our specialists fields

All 3 surgeons are experts in lung cancer surgery and can offer the full spectrum of procedures including conventional surgery, extended resections for advanced-stage cancers and minimally invasive procedures including VATS and robotic procedures for smaller tumours. We also offer the full spectrum of procedures for benign lung, pleura and chest wall disorders.

Treatment of emphysema by our specialist Dr Weder

Emphysema is a disease generally caused by smoking or genetic conditions where the normal lung tissue is destroyed resulting in reduced gas exchange (poor oxygenation of blood in the alveoli) and distension of the lungs. This can sometimes be treated by a reduction of the lung volume, either surgically or using endobronchial valves. Surgery can be conventionnal or mini-invasive depending upon the extent of the emphysema and its location and extent.

Dr Weder is an expert in the field who pioneered VATS lung volume reduction 25 years ago.

Treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma by our specialist Dr Lang-Lazdunski

Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma is a malignant tumour involving the pleura (lining of the lung), induced by asbestos exposure in most cases. There are more than 2’700 new cases diagnosed each year in the United Kingdom, around 1’000 in France and 200 in Switzerland. Thousands of cases are also diagnosed each year in the USA and Canada.

Dr Lang-Lazdunski is one of the most renowned mesothelioma surgeons worldwide and has the lowest mortality rate for this type of cancer and some of the best published outcomes. 

Treatment of thymoma by our specialist Dr Roth

After a complete thoracic formation at the university hospital of Berne with fellowships in Marie Lannelongue (Prof. Dartevelle) and Hotel-Dieu (Prof. Regnard) hospital in Paris, he has a busy private practice in visceral and thoracic surgery in Switzerland and has operated on more than 5’000 of patients with abdominal, endocrine or thoracic problems with excellent outcomes. His main base is Clinique de Genolier.  

Our team of thoracic specialists

Privatklinik Bethanien

Prof. Dr. med. Walter Weder

Specialisation
Thoracic surgery, General surgery, Da Vinci
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Clinique de Genolier

Dr. med. Thierry Roth

Specialisation
General surgery, Thoracic surgery, Visceral surgery, Thyroid surgery (endocrine surgery) View more
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Clinique de Genolier

Prof. Dr. med. Loïc Lang-Lazdunski

Specialisation
Thoracic surgery, General surgery
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Request your personalised programme

If you would like a complete medical programme, a second opinion or a remote consultation via videoconference or by telephone, please do not hesitate to contact us:

+41 22 366 94 28

gps@swissmedical.net

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A multicultural team at your service to:

  • Assist you in the preparation of your journey
  • Refer you towards the leading medical physicians and specialists 
  • Coordinate all the administrative requirements
  • Organise all the medical appointments and surgical procedures
  • Ensure a personalised follow-up before, during and after your medical stay

What we offer for international patients  

  • Second opinion: Our consultants’ team are very experienced with the management of complex cases. We receive referrals from all over the world for second opinions or complex treatment. We often see patients who have been turned down for surgery or systemic therapy elsewhere due to poor lung function, co-morbidities or advanced-stage tumours.  
  • Videoconsultation: We can also arrange for a teleconsultation. This has become very popular for patients living overseas.  
  • Comfort during illness: We offer a world-class specialised and efficient service in highly renowned clinics in and around Switzerland. We offer daily outpatient appointments and we can offer remote video consultations for patients living outside Switzerland or who cannot visit us in Genolier, Geneva and Zurich.  

Why us for thoracic surgery?

Latest medical technologies

Our specialists provide surgeries using the latest medical techniques with leading-edge equipment at the forefront of technological innovation.

World-leading thoracic surgeons

You will benefit from the expertise of internationally recognised, top-tier thoracic surgeons including the renowned specialists Professor Weder, Professor Lang-Lazdunski and Dr Roth, experts in lung emphysema surgery, mesothelioma and thymoma respectively.  

With advanced technologies and personalised treatment plans, our first-class experts perform precise, minimally invasive interventions for complex thoracic conditions, ensuring the highest care quality and improved health outcomes for our patients.  

Year-long expertise and premium service

Our experts have been at the forefront of research and treatment for more than two decades. Our outcomes are among the best reported worldwide and we have the lowest reported mortality in radical mesothelioma surgery. We offer a compassionate and friendly approach to all patients. We believe that every patient is unique and we do not support the one-size-fits-all approach.  

Furthermore, we help you with visa applications, hotel reservations, if necessary, and transportation services. We have our own limousine service and can arrange airport transfers or any other transfers you may need during your stay. We will also be happy to adapt the meal options according to your needs.

Unique in Europe

The combination of three top thoracic surgeons, the state-of-the-art facility and combined over 20 years of experience in different specialities such as mesothelioma, emphysema surgery and thymoma make us unique in Europe. 

Our hospitals for thoracic treatments

Clinique de Genolier
Genolier (VD)

  • Oncology
  • Orthopaedics
  • Neurosurgery
  • Visceral Surgery
  • Cardiology
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Privatklinik Bethanien
Zurich (ZH)

  • Urology
  • Visceral surgery
  • Thoracic surgery
  • Orthopaedics
  • Gynaecology, Obstetrics
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Most frequently asked questions

What languages do you speak?

Among our staff members, we have coordinators who speak the following languages: French, English, German, Russian, Italian and Chinese.
If your language is not among those spoken, we can arrange for a translator to assist you during your medical consultations and/or therapies for an additional fee.

What information do I need to provide to receive an initial offer?

It is very important to provide our medical staff with as much general and up-to-date medical information as possible (reports of previous medical consultations, laboratory results, medical imaging, etc.) 
This will enable us to create a personalised medical programme for you and to provide you with the corresponding quotation.

 

Do I have to pay for a quotation for a medical programme or treatment?

Only inquiries about oncological issues are subject to a fee.

What is an initial estimate and how is it calculated?

The initial estimate is an estimation of the costs of your treatment and is performed by our specialists based on the documents and information that you submit in advance. It is therefore extremely important that we obtain as much medical information in advance as possible, so that the estimate is an accurate reflection of reality.

What are your payment terms?

The patient has to pay the full amount of the quotation, on the day of their arrival at the clinic at the latest.
We accept payments by cash, credit card or bank transfer.
You may be entitled to a full or partial refund of the deposit, depending on the final invoice amount.

Can you help me arrange transportation to and from the hospital?

Yes. We have our own limousine service and can arrange airport transfers or any other transfers you may need during your stay.

Can you help me organise my trip to Switzerland?

Yes, we can help you with visa applications, hotel reservations (if necessary) and transportation services.

Can I bring an accompanying person to the hospital where I will be staying?

Yes, we offer facilities to accommodate an accompanying person during your stay, in your room or in a separate room/suite. 
Please contact us directly if you would like further information.

Is it possible to cater for specific eating habits such as diets/intolerances/allergies or halal products?

Yes, of course, if you provide us with information about your eating habits before your stay, we will be happy to adapt your meal options accordingly.

What additional beauty services are available in your hospitals?

Some of our hospitals offer hairdressing and skin care services. At your request, we can also make appointments for you if these services are not offered at the clinic where you are staying.

What happens if additional tests are needed as part of my treatment and/or if my hospital stay is extended?

Depending on medical assessments and opinions (therapeutic progress, test results, rehabilitation progress, etc.), modifications to the treatment and/or additional tests may be advised and prescribed. Any subsequent changes to the initial offer can be made with your agreement, and will be charged accordingly.

Can I leave the hospital during my stay or course of treatment?

Any request to leave is subject to prior written consent from the doctor.

Can I eat my meals somewhere other than in my room?

Most of our clinics offer high quality gourmet food, which is served in their respective restaurants.  With the exception of breakfast, which is only served in your room, you can eat your meals in the clinic’s restaurant.

Can I take my medical reports home with me?

Yes. We will send you your complete medical file as soon as we have received all the necessary information from the doctors. This file will include all medical reports, laboratory results and radiographic images (X-rays).

In what language can I receive my final medical report?

Reports can be written in English upon request. They can also be translated into other languages for an additional fee.

If I need specific medical equipment when I return home, what should I do?

Our medical team or our coordinators will help you get all the equipment you need.