Thoracic Surgery Service
Message from The Thoracic Surgery section chief
We want to provide you, our veterans the optimal thoracic surgical experience utilizing the latest technology and techniques. It is our mission to guide you through the process of obtaining a diagnosis and receiving treatment in a way that gets you back to your home and loved ones as soon as possible.
We have many exciting projects and services coming to you in 2020. The Thoracic Surgery service at the Robley Rex VA Hospital now provides minimally invasive robotic surgery. We introduced the Lung Cancer Screening program that integrats with the Lung Nodule Evaluation Team.
We are excited for the opportunity and honor to serve you, our veterans. This is your private hospital. Remember our team is here for you every step of the way.
William Wrightson, MD FACS
Chief of Thoracic Surgery
What we do
Our surgeons provide state-of-the-art surgical techniques and cancer therapies, with a major focus in research of early diagnosis, better cancer staging, and prediction of recurrent disease in lung and esophageal cancer. We take a multi-disciplinary approach to the treatment of lung cancer and esophageal cancer and other diseases of the chest, so we can streamline the patient experience with all thoracic specialists at the Robley Rex VA Medical Center.
We treat a variety of Thoracic and Upper GI Tract procedures including:
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Advanced Technologies Available at the Robley Rex VA Medical Center
Robotic Thoracic Surgery Program
Robotic-assisted surgery is a form of minimally-invasive surgery (MIS) that is performed through small incisions. During a da Vinci robotic-assisted surgical procedure, the surgeon sits at a console while viewing a high-definition, 3D image of the patient’s target anatomy. The surgeon’s hand, wrist and finger movements made at the console are translated into precise, real-time movement of surgical instruments attached to three or four robotic arms.
Robotic-assisted thoracic surgery allows us to perform many types of complex procedures with more precision, flexibility and control than is possible with conventional techniques.
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The benefits include:
- Faster recovery times
- Shorter hospital stays
- More precise and complete removal of cancers
- Less pain
- We are currently the only VA medical center in the region offering Thoracic Robotic Surgery.
Lung Cancer Screening
We offer full Lung Cancer Screening. LCS can identify smaller and early cancers that, in many cases, can be effectively treated. 
Meet our team
We have a team of seasoned professionals here at the VA dedicated to provide comprehensive thoracic surgical care. Each brings a unique skill set to provide you care that is second to none.
Surgical Staff
The VA looks to provide the best care possible. That is why we have expanded our practice to include the team of thoracic surgeons from the University of Louisville.
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 Matthew Fox, MD University of Louisville |
 Matthew Black, MD University of Louisville |
Thoracic Surgery Staff
Terri Joiner, APRN
Thoracic Surgery Nurse Practitioner
Tara Thompson
Thiracic Clinic Nurse Representative
Mark Olliges, MSN, RN
Lung Cancer Screening Coordinator/LNET Navigator
Shine a Light on Lung Cancer
The Shine the Light on Lung Cancer is an annual event at the RRVAMC that focuses on education and understanding of lung cancer. Thanks to all who attended and supported
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| Dr. Wrightson discusses the tools of thoracic surgery with a Veteran (left). The thoracic team shows their desire to “Change the way people learn about lung cancer” (right). | ||
Why should you come to the VA for thoracic surgery?
The VA is responsible for some of the greatest medical advances in thoracic surgery research the past 100 years.
- 1947: Developed and tested effective therapies for tuberculosis following World War II. Multi-center clinical trials led to development of the Cooperative Studies Program.
- 1950: Concluded, in a paper by Dr. Robert Schrek of Hines, there is "strong circumstantial evidence" linking cigarette smoking with respiratory tract cancers.
- 1956: Linked cigarette smoking with precancerous lesions.
- 1960: Invented the first clinically successful implantable cardiac pacemaker, helping many patients prevent potentially life-threatening complications from irregular heartbeats.
- 1961: Pioneered the concepts that led to development of computerized axial tomography (CAT scan).
- 1984: Developed a transdermal nicotine patch to reduce the cravings for cigarettes.
- 2015: A team of VA researchers at the VA San Diego Healthcare System looked at the possible health risks of electronic cigarettes, and found they damaged cells in ways that could lead to cancer. The damage occurred even with nicotine-free versions of the products.
- 2015: Lung-cancer screening—Another 2015 study, by researchers with the VA Puget Sound Health Care System and the University of Seattle, found that lung cancer screening can lower smokers' motivation to quit smoking.
Who to Contact for Assistance
If you have questions about any of the following areas, please feel free to contact us.
Appointments or scheduling
Thoracic clinic appointments are managed thru the VA Scheduling Clerks. Your first appointment will typically be requested by your primary care provider or a specialty service.
Scheduling a follow up appointment or make changes in appointment
Medical Support Assistant (MSA)
502-287-5168 (M-F 8am-3pm)
Scheduling a CT scan
Radiology Scheduling
502-287-5141
Pulmonary Function Testing
502-287-4000 x53189
Surgery scheduling and information
After you have been scheduled for surgery you will receive a packet of information regarding your surgery as well as a one on one education session with our Clinic Nurses. They will teach you all the details related to your surgery (times, what to bring, where to go the morning of surgery etc.).
Look thru the information and bring questions on the day of surgery. You also may have procedures or tests scheduled before surgery. If you have questions regarding these tests or your clinic visit feel free to contact us.
More information about your upcoming surgery
Surgical Triage Nurse 502-287-5646
Terri Joiner, APRN 502-287-5273
Questions related to your anesthesia appointment or preoperative studies
Surgical Triage Nurse 502-287-5646
Terri Joiner, APRN 502-287-5273
Lung Cancer Screening
Lung cancer screening is available to patients at the highest risk of having a lung cancer. You can contact your primary care provider for more information. If you are already in Lung Cancer Screening and have a question these can be directed to:
Contact your primary care provider
Lung Cancer Screening Navigator
Jennifer Pendleton,
502-287-6777
Lung Nodule
When lung nodules are found and they meet certain criteria, they are managed by the Lung Nodule Evaluation Team (LNET). This group of doctors from a variety of specialties’ including thoracic surgery, pulmonary medicine, oncology and radiology, meet weekly to find the best management options for you. Questions can be addressed by our Lung nodule and Screening coordinator.
Jennifer Pendleton, RN
502-287-6777
Issues after surgery
While we hope to never have problems or issues after surgery, sometimes you need someone to contact for guidance. Please review your discharge instructions and information packet you received prior to your surgery. Medical problems including home medication refills or other medical issues unrelated to your surgery will still be managed by your primary care provider. If you still need help please contact us.
If this is an emergency call 911 or go to the emergency room nearest you.
Non-emergent problems or questions
Triage Nurse
502-287-5646
(M-F 8 am to 3 pm)
Contact Info
Location
- 800 Zorn Ave, Louisville, KY 40206
Contact Number(s)
- 502-287-6804
Hours of Operation
- 8:00am-4:00pm M-F
