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Spring Survey Results 2012

Minimally Invasive Video-Assisted Surgery for Lung Cancer

PROGRAM DETAILS:

Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery or VATS is a complex surgery using specialized techniques, including a video camera that allows surgeons to view the chest of a patient during surgery. One of the main benefits are smaller incisions and shorter hospital stays - with the overall result being fewer traumas to the patient’s body. Dr. Mike Mulligan, a thoracic surgeon at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, joins Andrew for this webcast to discuss the best candidates for minimally invasive surgeries and how advancements of these procedures are giving more and more patients peace of mind. Patients like 77-year-old Mary Dooley, also participating in the program, can certainly identify with this feeling, after being told there was nothing else that could be done for her lung cancer.

Mary was told she had inoperable stage IV lung cancer. While she was devastated over the diagnosis, she managed to remain hopeful. Mary visited the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance where they were able to treat her cancer. She underwent a lobectomy and is optimistic about being cancer-free. Mary feels had it not been for the dedication of the experts at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, she may not be here today. Hear Mary's story of how a second opinion and dedicated experts saved her life.

Dr. Mulligan explains how team approaches and second opinions are allowing patients to make more informed decisions. In Dr. Mulligan's own words - “treatment planning is best done as part of a team.... And frankly, one cannot make that decision in a vacuum.”

Learn important lessons about second opinions, research, and persistence from Dr. Mulligan and his patient, Mary. Listen to this informative program to find out why VATS is allowing lung cancer patients to experience less pain, shorter hospital stays, and for some, another chance at life.

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EXPERTS & GUESTS:
Michael Mulligan, M.D. Michael Mulligan, M.D.
Director of Minimally Invasive Thoracic Surgery, Seattle Cancer Care Alliance
Dr. Michael Mulligan is a Thoracic Surgeon specializing in Head, Neck and Lung cancer at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance and is an Associate Professor in the Cardiothoracic Surgery Division at the University of Washington. His clinical interest lies in lung transplantation, thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension, lung volume reduction surgery and benign and malignant lung and esophageal disease. Dr. Mulligan received... more >

Mary Dooley,
Diagnosed with Stage IV Lung Cancer
Mrs. Dooley was told she had inoperable stage IV lung cancer. While she was devastated over the diagnosis, she didn't give up. Mary visited the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, where they were able to treat her cancer. She underwent a lobectomy and is optimistic about being cancer-free. Mary feels had it not been for the dedication of the experts at... more >

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