Departments

During a woman’s lifetime, she might face a reproductive problem that requires evaluation and possible surgery. Some gynecologic conditions that may require surgery are endometriosis, ovarian cysts, fibroids, abnormal bleeding, intrauterine scarring, damaged fallopian tubes, pelvic pain or abnormal development of the reproductive tract. Minimally invasive and robotic surgery have transformed the field of surgery, radically reducing trauma and recovery. In this approach, small skin incisions (less than an inch in size) and specialized tools are used. Our program utilizes the following methods for women’s reproductive conditions requiring surgery: Hysteroscopy. A small, narrow telescope (a hysteroscope) allows for visualization of the inside of the uterine cavity without incisions. This is often performed when evaluating abnormal uterine bleeding. Laparoscopy. A small telescope inserted through small abdominal skin incisions is used to evaluate the pelvic anatomy (uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, etc.). The laparoscope (camera) sends live pictures to a video monitor, which allows the surgeon to see the anatomy and perform complex surgeries with minimal trauma to the patient. Robotics. Robotic surgery was approved for gynecological conditions in 2005 and has since opened up the option of minimally invasive surgery for women who otherwise would not have been eligible for vaginal surgery or traditional laparoscopic surgery. Surgeons are trained in using the daVinci Robot for select laparoscopic surgeries. “Open“ surgery, or surgery performed through traditional large incisions (similar to a cesarean section), is associated with longer hospitalizations, increased pain, increased surgical risk, and longer postoperative recovery times. With a surgery performed using a minimally invasive approach, patients are often able to go home on the day of surgery or the next morning with less postoperative pain.

The Yale Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Program provides dedicated evaluation and treatment of patients with Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS), a condition in which the subclavian vein, artery, or brachial plexus is compressed as it travels from the chest to the arm between the collarbone and the first rib. TOS may cause swelling, discoloration, numbness, or tingling of the patient's arm, limiting activities of daily living and quality of life. Patients with TOS may be young, athletic, or use excessive overhead shoulder movements for their profession or recreation. The Yale Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Program offers a multidisciplinary approach to patients with this debilitating condition. Our team includes vascular and thoracic surgeons, diagnostic and interventional radiologists, physical therapists, advanced practice providers, and nurses who work together to provide early diagnosis and comprehensive management at an individual level. TOS is divided into three types, based on the predominant structures affected. Neurogenic TOS is the most common type, affecting the brachial plexus nerves. Patients may experience neck, shoulder, or arm discomfort or headaches. Patients often report that symptoms began after experiencing a traumatic injury. Experts believe this occurs most commonly due to the shortening and thickening of the anterior scalene muscle, which connects the spine to the first rib. Venous TOS is the next most common type, with complete or high-grade blockage of the subclavian-axillary vein (located between the first rib and the collarbone). Patients often report previous repetitive overhead shoulder movements, such as pitching or swimming. Patients may present with swelling of the whole arm, discoloration, and pain. Arterial TOS is the least common type, although it is the most dangerous. Chronic compression of the subclavian artery may lead to a blockage or the creation of an aneurysm—a weakening and ballooning of the artery. Patients may present with a cold, painful arm and difficulty moving or feeling their fingers. We recognize that TOS is a complex condition and that treatment is highly specific to each patient. On a patient’s first visit, we perform a detailed history and physical exam. If TOS is suspected, a variety of specialized diagnostic tests may be performed to support the diagnosis. For patients presenting with neurogenic TOS, physical therapy may be the first-line therapy. This may treat the scalene muscles, muscles surrounding the spine, and the muscles that support the thoracic outlet and shoulder. Botox® therapy of the anterior scalene muscle is another treatment option for patients with persistent symptoms. While conservative treatment is often successful in alleviating symptoms of neurogenic TOS, surgical decompression may be recommended if patients do not find long-term relief. For patients presenting with venous or arterial TOS, our vascular surgeons will first perform revascularization to relieve symptoms

Yale’s Department of Surgery is a premier center for adult and pediatric surgical treatment, providing comprehensive care for a full range of conditions and diseases. To ensure that our patients experience shorter hospital stays and less postoperative discomfort, we employ the latest technologies and surgical techniques, and perform minimally invasive surgery whenever possible. Our renowned surgeons and faculty continue to push the frontiers of surgical science through innovative treatment and leading-edge research, with the ability to offer treatment options that can be difficult to find elsewhere. More state-of-the-art surgical suites at Yale New Haven Hospital than in any other hospital in the region Collaboration with the Yale Department of Biomedical Engineering and with industry to develop 3-D bioprinting for the regeneration, repair, and replacement of human tissue and vessels Nationally recognized Center of Excellence and designated training center for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) Yale’s Endocrine Neoplasia Laboratory is an internationally renowned multidisciplinary research group in which surgeons work with endocrine geneticists to decipher the molecular genetics of endocrine tumor disease First program in Connecticut to offer three different minimally invasive bariatric surgical techniques: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, LAP-Band® surgery, and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy

At Yale Medicine, our thoracic surgery team specializes in treating a wide range of chest-related conditions, from lung and esophageal cancers to other thoracic issues that may not involve cancer. Our highly skilled surgeons understand the importance of a gentle, compassionate approach to patient care, ensuring a supportive experience for those who may be facing challenging diagnoses. Trained in the most advanced surgical techniques, our team uses minimally invasive surgery whenever possible instead of traditional surgery, which typically requires larger incisions. This approach is designed to minimize your discomfort and help you to heal faster. Through the use of less invasive techniques, you can look forward to a quicker recovery, with less time spent in the hospital and better results after surgery. Specialized care is offered in the following areas: Benign esophageal disorders (paraesophageal hernia, reflux disease, narrowing, achalasia) Chest wall tumors Esophageal cancer Lung cancer Mediastinal cancers, located in the area between the lungs

Weight management is a complex and multi-faceted challenge that can involve a wide range of health issues, with solutions that are different for every person. The Center for Weight Management, part of Yale New Haven Health (YNHH) and Yale School of Medicine, is a multidisciplinary practice offering a comprehensive range of services for patients needing help to achieve their target weight. The center provides assistance with weight and weight-related health conditions from many different perspectives, with personally tailored solutions based on each patient’s specific needs and goals. Weight management is a lifelong journey, and we are here to help. The center brings together renowned experts in both the medical and surgical treatment of obesity, as well as in such fields as psychology, nutrition, exercise physiology, orthopaedics, endocrinology, cardiology, liver disease, and more. The center doesn’t just focus on weight management, but also on the many health outcomes associated with excess weight, such as diabetes, fatty liver disease, heart disease, joint problems, and cancer. Successful weight management can significantly improve these conditions and reduce the chance of developing them in the first place. In short, the center provides services across the entire continuum of care for weight management, including everything from dietary advice to psychological counseling, medications, endoscopic interventions, and surgery. Having all of those services under one umbrella gives us the unique ability to care for any patient with weight management needs, regardless of size or treatment options. The center also has an alliance with the YNHH Department of Pediatrics, and since obesity tends to run in families, center administrators are planning an intergenerational clinic where the entire family can receive care. Currently, the center is situated at several different locations within the health system; in 2022, all of the components of the center are scheduled to move to a single location at 8 Devine St. in North Haven. Consultations are also available via telehealth. The Center for Weight Management has three physician-directors: John Morton, MD, MPH, medical director of bariatric surgery for the Yale New Haven Health System; Wajahat Mehal, MD, PhD, director of the Yale Weight Loss Program and an expert in obesity medicine and endobariatrics; and Ania Jastreboff, MD, PhD, an adult and pediatric endocrinologist with expertise in obesity medicine and weight management. The center has a fully integrated medical and surgical team. We have approximately 20 physicians, including 12 bariatric surgeons, who together have performed about 10,000 successful surgeries (Dr. Morton alone has performed about 4,000 successful bariatric surgeries). Other members of the team include nurses, dieticians, psychologists, social workers, and an exercise physiologist, as well as the many experts on weight-related health conditions who partner with the center.

About Us At Yale Medicine, our cardiac surgery team consists of internationally recognized heart surgeons who provide personalized, compassionate care for adult and pediatric patients. We understand the challenges of living with a heart condition and are committed to partnering with patients and their families to find the best treatment plan and offer ongoing support after surgery. Our team includes highly experienced, board-certified cardiac surgeons along with an expert group of cardiologists, cardiac-focused nurses, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners. Our cardiac surgeons collaborate with Yale's cardiologists, vascular surgeons, and internists to manage heart-related issues such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, heart valve conditions, and heart rhythm disorders. Our surgeons perform the latest, most advanced techniques in minimally invasive and traditional surgeries to treat a full range of cardiac diseases and conditions, including: Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) Valve repair and replacement (aortic and mitral) Aneurysm repair (aortic, thoracic aortic, left ventricular) Arrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythm), including hybrid ablation heart failure and artificial heart or ventricular assist devices Heart failure, including artificial heart or ventricular assist devices Heart transplantation Congenital heart diseases in children and adults

Millions of people suffer from the broad range of diseases that can affect the spine. Debilitating pain and impaired function often keep people from working and enjoying normal lives. While spinal conditions and injuries, particularly neck and back pain, are quite common, they can be among the most complex and difficult ailments to treat. This is especially true with patients who have had little improvement with prior spinal surgery or failed medical treatments for such diseases as scoliosis or degenerative disk disease. Our experienced team of highly-skilled neurosurgeons and staff work together to provide the best care possible. Whether the pain is acute or chronic, we are committed to understanding the problem and will work with each patient to determine the best way to treat it. Patients travel from across the Northeast to have our experts treat problems, including spinal cord and nerve compression, spinal deformities, spinal tumors, neck and back pain, and sciatica. Our focus is on helping patients overcome their disability, rather than performing surgery or providing physical therapy. We provide comprehensive diagnostic services for patients whose conditions have not been definitively identified, as well as for those who had unsuccessful treatments, including previous surgeries. Because we are a major referral center for neurosurgical problems of all types and levels of complexity, our patients benefit from our collaborative, interdisciplinary environment that enhances opportunities for advancing care. Our services include: Minimally invasive surgery:Advanced, one-day surgical procedures, including vertebroplasty and disk electrocauterization, are available for appropriate candidates. Vertebroplasty relieves pain among some osteoporosis sufferers with collapsed vertebrae. Surgical bone cement is injected into the affected areas bolstering bone growth. Disk electrocauterization involves the use of a needle to shrink disks by burning them. Complex surgery:Our Spine Center specializes in this type of surgery, which is reserved for cases in which all other treatment options have been considered. Our surgeons can perform spinal reconstructions for severely deteriorated spines or repair damage from trauma or prior surgeries. Cutting-edge techniques, such as discography, make it possible to track electrical activity within the spine with exceptional precision to localize the site of injuries. Support services:Yale New Haven Hospital is a Level I trauma center, fully equipped to handle complex spinal cord injuries. Spine patients who undergo surgery benefit from specially equipped surgical suites. They will recover in the hospital’s Neurosurgical Intensive Care Unit (NICU), the only specialized unit of its kind in the region, staffed with experienced neurocritical care nurses. Our team continuously challenges current practice to ensure our programs reflect the most advanced treatment options delivered in a way that enhances the health and comfort o

The Center for Thoracic Cancers at Smilow Cancer Hospital consists of a multidisciplinary team of experts dedicated to providing evaluation of and treatment for patients with a thoracic malignancy, including lung cancer, esophageal cancer, thymoma, or chest wall tumors. Patients in Connecticut and beyond have access to nationally recognized expert clinicians, who provide an organized, collaborative approach to cancer care, as well as the latest technologies and treatments. Our team consists of a collaboration of specialty physicians, including medical oncology, radiation oncology, thoracic surgery, pulmonary medicine, digestive diseases, pathology, diagnostic imaging, and nursing. In addition to our expert clinicians, patients also receive comprehensive care to help with the physical, emotional, and psychological issues that are part of confronting cancer. Patients also benefit from the attention of the team's care coordinators, who make management of even the most detailed multidisciplinary treatment plan less complicated. Our team is active in clinical research, and focuses on developing advances to care in areas of thoracic oncology where the standard treatment needs improvement and where the optimal treatment approach remains unclear. To provide the best care, most of our patients are enrolled in a clinical trial where they can receive innovative therapy for their advanced disease, including immunotherapy, which was first used in clinical trials at Smilow Cancer Hospital. The Center for Thoracic Cancers offers second opinions that are easy, convenient, and all done remotely. Call (203) 200-LUNG for more information and learn how to schedule a second opinion appointment with one of our providers. Medical Oncology Our medical oncologists are nationally recognized for their leadership and expertise in lung cancer treatment and research, and are dedicated to offering personalized treatment options. Biomarker testing is often performed on the tumor to look for specific mutations that can be targeted by medication. There are currently FDA-approved lung cancer treatments for tumors showing abnormalities in EGFR, KRAS, ALK, ROS1, BRAF V600E, MET, RET , and NTRK genes. Recent studies conducted at Yale have led to FDA approval of drugs for the treatment of lung cancer, such as the immunotherapy drug Tecentriq (atezolizumab), which has been proven to improve patient survival for newly diagnosed NSCLC. This drug is designed to block PD-L1, a protein that was discovered by scientists at Yale and that has been instrumental in improving survival for lung cancer patients. Another FDA-approved drug, osimertinib, which stemmed from Yale Cancer Center and Smilow Cancer Hospital researchers, was approved for the treatment of adults with early-stage NSCLC with EGFR gene mutations. Surgery Many patients in need of surgery are referred for a minimally invasive surgery known as a video-assisted thoracoscopi

Cancer can have a profound impact on someone’s life. From the very beginning, most patients have many questions about the road ahead. Working in collaboration with medical and radiation oncologists at Yale Cancer Center, our world-renowned oncology surgeons are committed to providing compassionate and personalized care, offering comfort and support. We understand that the thought of undergoing surgery can be overwhelming. An integral part of our approach is to provide support, in part, through detailed answers and by thoroughly explaining treatment options and what to expect before, during, and after the surgery. Our innovative methods enable our surgeons to address even the most complex cancerous and noncancerous conditions. Our surgeons provide the most comprehensive and advanced care available, collaborating with other internationally recognized cancer care specialists at Smilow Cancer Hospital at Yale New Haven, including diagnostic and interventional radiologists, gastroenterologists, hepatologists, imaging specialists, and pathologists. Whether patients are newly diagnosed with cancer or their cancer has not responded to traditional treatment therapies, our team of surgeons and specialists will create a personalized plan based on the latest research, technologies, evidence-based medicine, and the possibility of clinical trials. During the first visit, patients will meet with a surgical oncologist, medical oncologist, and a radiation oncologist who will create a personalized treatment. Our goal is to begin treatment as soon as possible. Because our surgeons treat patients at theSmilow Cancer Hospital at Yale New Haven, patients will have access to a multitude of medical and supportive services to help improve their quality of life while living with cancer, and after. We treat the following cancers and cysts: Breast cancer Gastrointestinal cancers, including gastric bile duct, gallbladder, liver, colon, stomach, pancreas, and colorectal cancers Intra-abdominal cancers and tumors Melanoma Pancreatic cysts (noncancerous) Sarcoma Minimally invasive surgery. Our emphasis is on the most successful surgery with the least pain, scarring, and recovery time. Our highly-skilled surgeons are leaders in minimally invasive procedures, even for complex cases that would otherwise require traditional open surgery. During minimally invasive surgery, also known as laparoscopic surgery, only a few small incisions are necessary. Surgeons use small video cameras to view the affected area and use special surgical instruments to perform the surgery. Recovery time and postsurgical discomfort are significantly reduced because the incisions are smaller than with open surgery. Surgical wounds tend to heal more quickly and with less scarring. Whipple Procedure. The pancreas, which is the largest gland of the endocrine system, is difficult to treat surgically because of its position behind major organs. The Whipple procedure is an innovative approach that allows surgeons

At Yale Medicine, our Bariatric and minimally invasive surgery team specializes in surgical care for conditions affecting the digestive tract. Expert surgeons use the latest minimally invasive techniques designed to reduce scarring and minimize discomfort after surgery, providing a smoother and more rapid recovery. We recognize that it’s natural to experience various emotions and concerns before undergoing surgery. That's why our approach focuses on patient education and comprehensive care—we are here to provide clear, detailed answers to all your questions before, during, and after your procedure. About Us Specialized care is offered in the following areas: Abdominal wall reconstruction to treat complex hernias or trauma to the abdomen Laparoscopic surgery to treat severe (Class III) obesity Weight-loss surgery options: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, in which a small stomach pouch is created to restrict food intake. LAP-Band® surgery, in which a band is placed around the upper part of the stomach to create a small pouch to hold food. The band limits the amount of food that’s consumed by making the patient feel full after eating small amounts. Sleeve gastrectomy, which involves removing about 85% of the stomach. The smaller-sized stomach holds less food, creating a feeling of fullness with significantly less food. All weight-loss surgery options include education and support from nursing, nutrition, and psychological service providers.

Pediatric surgeons dedicate their practice to treating children ranging from the neonatal stage through late adolescence. The medical needs of a child differ from those of an adult, requiring pediatric surgeons to have additional education and advanced training. Our pediatric surgeons are recognized as experts in a broad range of specialties, including minimally invasive surgery, pediatric surgical oncology, fetal diagnosis, and treatment of congenital birth defects, pediatric trauma, and surgical procedures for intestinal failure. Through the most current and state-of-the-art surgical techniques, we help treat each child’s condition so he or she can focus on being a kid.Our team has expertise in the latest surgical technologies and the most delicate surgical situations, including neonatal surgery and ECMO (heart and lung bypass for severely ill infants). Our surgeons use advanced, minimally invasive surgical techniques wherever possible to help secure outpatient surgeries or shorter hospital stays, and less postoperative discomfort for the child. All of our team members have extensive experience in working with children, and take extra measures to ensure that each child feels safe and comfortable. Specialized care is offered in the following areas: Mechanical cardiac assist device program Newborn surgery, including repair of severe newborn congenital malformations of the airway, respiratory, gastrointestinal, and genital tracts Operations for inguinal hernias, hydroceles, correction of undescended testicles, and other groin problems Pediatric abdominal surgery Pediatric heart transplant Pediatric thoracic surgery Surgical management of complex solid tumors Thoracoscopic and laparoscopic treatment of such conditions as abdominal and thoracic tumors, congenital lung masses, intestinal atresia, and trachea-esophageal fistula The first pediatric Level I trauma center in Connecticut at Yale New Haven Hospital Six conveniently located outpatient pediatric centers across the state where patients can be evaluated by a pediatric surgeon International recognition for new ways to reduce anxiety and pain in children who need surgery

The Interventional Oncology Program at Smilow Cancer Hospital offers cutting-edge specialized services that complement and support medical, surgical, and radiation oncology to provide optimal patient care. A team of dedicated professionals offers minimally invasive, imaging-guided therapies for patients with liver, colorectal, lung, bone/soft tissue, kidney, and metastatic cancers. These therapies can be used either as primary or adjuvant treatments. In addition, our program provides a range of therapeutic options used for palliative care, including biopsy, vascular port and chemotherapy catheter placement, abscess drainage, stenting of malignant strictures, and therapies for pain relief. Minimally invasive Interventional Oncology treatments include: Chemoembolization : Selective delivery of chemotherapy directly to the tumor through a catheter located in the artery feeding the tumor Radioembolization : Selective delivery of radioactive particles directly to the tumor through a catheter located in the artery feeding the tumor Radiofrequency Ablation : A procedure that uses radio waves to heat and destroy cancerous cells via a needle inserted in the patient’s skin Cryoablation : A procedure in which an extremely cold temperature (via a cryoprobe inserted through the patient’s skin) is used to freeze and destroy cancer tissue. Microwave Ablation : A procedure that uses microwaves to heat and destroy cancerous cells. NanoKnife : Irreversible Electoroporation Cancer Ablation, or NanoKnife therapy, is available as a treatment option for liver cancer at Smilow Cancer Hospital. NanoKnife is a state-of-the-art minimally invasive cancer treatment that applies a high voltage of electrical pulses to induce targeted cancer death, while minimizing surrounding tissue damage in highly selective and challenging anatomic locations, such as the liver. Pain Palliation Treatment : Therapeutic options consisting of ablation, chemoembolization, or radioembolization designed specifically to relieve pain caused by primary or metastatic tumors.