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Lung cancer surgery

      (Lobectomy, Segmentectomy, Lymph node dissections)

ALL PATIENTS WITH A NEW DIAGNOSIS OF LUNG CANCER SHOULD SEE A THORACIC SURGEON WHO SPECIALIZES IN THORACIC SURGICAL ONCOLOGY.
MANY PATIENTS ARE OFTEN TOLD THAT THEY ARE NOT A SURGICAL CANDIDATE, BUT ONLY THE THORACIC SURGEON CAN AND SHOULD MAKE THAT DETERMINATION.

Esophageal cancer surgery

       (Esophagectomy)

ALL PATIENTS WITH A NEW DIAGNOSIS OF ESOPHAGEAL CANCER SHOULD SEE A THORACIC SURGEON WHO SPECILAIZES IN THORACIC SURGICAL ONCOLOGY.
THIS IS A MAJOR OPERATION WITH LIFE ALTERING CHANGES AND CAN BE ASSOCIATED WITH SEVERE COMPLICATIONS.

Surgery for pneumothorax

      (Bleb resection, Pleurodesis, Pleural tenting)

This is a particular interest and area of expertise for Dr. Willekes. He has operated on many teenagers and young adults for collapsed lung.  Thoracic surgeons, given their comprehensive knowledge of the lung and pleural space, should manage chest tubes and chest drains.  Chest tubes can be one of the most painful and awful experiences for patients. Dr. Willekes specializes in surgical and nonsurgical treatment of pneumothorax and management of chest drains and air leaks for children and adults.  We will shorten hospital stay and pay special attention to the pain management needs of this typically younger patient population. 

Diaphragm surgery

       (Plication, Phrenic nerve grafting for paralyzed diaphragm, Hiatal hernias, Paraesophageal hernias, Morgagni hernias)

Many patients with elevated or paralyzed diaphragms may be told there are no treatment options. These patients can potentially be helped by either phrenic nerve surgery or diaphragm plication and this is a unique subspecialty of Dr. Willekes.

Chest wall surgery

       (plating of nonhealing or displaced rib fractures, bony tumors of the ribs or sternum, lung cancer invading the chest wall)

Chest wall surgery for lung cancer and rib plating is a particular subspecialty of Dr. Willekes. He has performed chest wall reconstruction using methylmethacrylate, Goretex, and other unique products. He has also performed multiple rib plating procedures using various rib plating systems.

VATS can be utilized for the following procedures:

        (video-assisted thoracic surgery - minimally invasive)

              Treatment of recurrent or malignant pleural effusions
               Diagnosis of solitary pulmonary nodules
              Diagnosis of pleural disease
              VATS lobectomy for lung cancer
              VATS surgery of the mediastinal cysts and benign tumors
              VATS surgery for collapsed lung and pneumothorax
              VATS surgery for the esophagus

Mediastinal surgery

        (mediastinoscopy, cysts, tumors of the mediastinum, pericardial window, pericardial cysts)

Grand Rapids Thoracic Surgery, PLLC