Unveiling Visual Excellence: Stanford's Adult Chest Wall Surgery Program - New Patient Education and Patience Experience Videos
by Mary Sheridan Bilbao, PA-C, MPAS
January 26, 2024
The Thoracic Surgery team at the Stanford Cardiothoracic Surgery Department is proud to announce the release of new patient experience and education videos focused on the comprehensive care provided by their Adult Chest Wall Surgery Program. This program, led by Dr. Leah Backhus, encompasses a multidisciplinary approach to chest wall reconstruction, ensuring that patients with chest wall tumors receive holistic and specialized care.
The team comprises skilled thoracic surgeons, all of whom have extensive experience in performing complex chest wall resections, repairs, and revisional surgeries. The use of advanced techniques such as 3D modeling and prosthetic applications highlights the team's commitment to providing cutting-edge and personalized solutions for each patient.
A key aspect of the program is the collaboration with various specialists, including physiotherapists, pulmonologists, pain specialists, and social workers. For patients with chest wall tumors, medical and radiation oncologists are also integral members of the care team, ensuring a comprehensive and tailored treatment plan.
The Stanford Adult Pectus Program, within the Adult Chest Wall Surgery Program, specializes in surgical care for individuals requiring primary repair and revisional surgery for pectus excavatum in adults. The team collaborates with the Lucille Packard Children's Hospital through their pediatric pectus clinic, offering seamless continuity of care for patients transitioning from pediatric to adult care.
Example of pectus excavatum
Pectus excavatum, a congenital deformity characterized by a sunken appearance of the chest, is thoroughly evaluated by the team. The condition often involves a multidimensional assessment, considering not only the chest wall but also potential impacts on lung and heart function. Surgery is recommended only when the team is highly confident that the patient will experience significant improvement post-surgery.
The department's commitment to excellence extends beyond its local community, as they receive referrals from across the country. This national reach allows the team to offer second opinions and assistance to patients who have experienced residual or recurrent problems after prior chest wall surgeries.
The release of these patient experience and education videos underscores the team's dedication to transparency, patient education, and the promotion of a comprehensive understanding of the Adult Chest Wall Surgery Program at Stanford Cardiothoracic Surgery Department. The videos aim to empower patients and their families with knowledge about their conditions and the innovative approaches taken by the skilled and experienced team at Stanford.
Dr. Leah Backhus