Fresno, Manteca, Modesto

Surgical technology that helps patients heal faster

In many hospitals, a major chest surgery such as a lung removal can require a large incision across the chest, the loss of ribs, and 10 or more days of hospital recovery.

But at Kaiser Permanente, Central Valley area surgeon John DeGraft-Johnson, MD, (pictured at left) is using an innovative technique called “video-assisted thoracoscopy” (VAT) to turn some major operations into less invasive procedures.

With this technique, a narrow tube with a viewing mirror or camera attachment is inserted through a very small incision in the chest wall.

“The camera provides an ultra-detailed, 360-degree view of the area, which allows us to operate with even greater precision,” says Dr. DeGraft-Johnson. “Physicians can examine, treat, or remove the lungs and other structures in the chest cavity through very small incisions.”

Dr. DeGraft-Johnson was trained to perform VAT surgeries during his fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. He is the first Kaiser Permanente surgeon in the Central Valley and Fresno area to provide this minimally invasive lung and esophageal surgery procedure.

“The benefit to the patient is faster recovery time and less pain and discomfort,” he says. “For patients who require tissue or organ removal due to cancer, a quicker recovery allows them to begin radiation or chemotherapy sooner, which can contribute to the overall success of treatment.”

If you’re having surgery, visit our online surgery center for help in preparing mentally and physically for your operation.

Back to top