Thoracic surgery · Lahey Clinic

Elliot Servais, MD

Care for conditions of the lungs, esophagus, and chest.

A thoracic surgeon with a focus on cancer care, minimally invasive surgery, and helping patients understand their options.

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Chair, Department of SurgeryLahey Clinic

Professor of SurgeryUMass Chan Medical School

Elliot Servais, MD, in a gray suit and blue tie — Clinical care. Research. Education.

Patient care

A focused practice.
A range of conditions.

Thoracic surgery addresses diseases of the lungs, esophagus, and other structures in the chest. Dr. Servais treats both cancerous and noncancerous conditions.

Lung nodules & lung cancer

Evaluation of lung nodules and surgical care for lung cancer, including minimally invasive and robotic approaches when appropriate.

Esophageal cancer

Surgical treatment of cancer of the esophagus, including minimally invasive esophagectomy, as part of a coordinated cancer treatment plan.

Reflux, hernias & swallowing disorders

Care for gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), hiatal and paraesophageal hernias, and achalasia, a disorder that affects swallowing.

Other conditions of the chest

Care for tumors of the thymus and mediastinum, the space between the lungs, as well as conditions of the chest wall and pleura, the lining around the lungs.

Thoracic surgery at Lahey Clinic

Approach to care

The right plan begins
with the whole person.

Decisions about treatment bring together the diagnosis, the available evidence, your overall health, and what matters to you.

Understand the options

A consultation is an opportunity to discuss what is known, what needs clarification, and the benefits and risks of the available approaches.

Choose the approach thoughtfully

Robotic and other minimally invasive techniques are important tools. The operation and approach should fit the individual patient and condition.

Bring expertise together

Care at Lahey Clinic draws on collaboration among surgeons, pulmonologists, gastroenterologists, oncologists, and other specialists.

Understanding your care

A place to start
with your questions.

Clear explanations can help you prepare for a conversation with your care team.

Arrange a consultation

Does a lung nodule mean I have cancer?

A lung nodule is a small spot seen on an imaging scan. Many nodules are not cancer. The next step depends on its size, appearance, whether it has changed, and your medical history. Options may include another scan, additional testing, or a biopsy.

What does robotic surgery actually mean?

Robotic surgery is a type of minimally invasive surgery. The surgeon controls the instruments from a console in the operating room; the system does not perform the operation independently. It can allow surgery through small incisions, but it is not the right approach for every patient or every operation. Recovery and risks depend on the procedure and your health.

Dr. Servais is an internationally recognized expert in robotic thoracic surgery and one of the highest-volume robotic thoracic surgeons in the region. He teaches and mentors other surgeons in performing these operations.

Learn more: American Lung Association

Does reflux always require surgery?

No. Reflux can often be managed with changes in habits and medication. Surgery may be considered for selected patients based on symptoms, testing, response to other treatments, and preferences. A careful evaluation helps establish whether reflux is the cause of the symptoms and whether an operation is appropriate.

Learn more: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

How can I prepare for a consultation?

Ask the office which records to send in advance, particularly imaging and reports from outside hospitals. Bring a current medication list and your questions. It can help to write down your symptoms, previous treatments, and what you most want to understand. You may also want someone you trust to join the conversation.

A useful question to ask: “What are my options, and why do you recommend this one?”

About Dr. Servais

A surgeon,
educator, and colleague.

Elliot Servais, MD, FACS, is Chair of the Department of Surgery at Lahey Clinic and Professor of Surgery at UMass Chan Medical School. His clinical practice focuses on thoracic oncology, esophageal disease, and minimally invasive surgery.

His academic work includes robotic surgical techniques, lung cancer screening, surgical outcomes, and education. He participates in training and mentoring surgeons and in collaborative efforts to improve the quality of surgical care.

He is board certified in surgery and thoracic surgery, a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and an elected member of the American Association for Thoracic Surgery.

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Education & training

Medical educationBoston University
School of Medicine
General surgeryNewYork-Presbyterian /
Weill Cornell
Thoracic oncology researchMemorial Sloan Kettering
Cancer Center
Thoracic surgery fellowshipBrigham and Women’s Hospital - Harvard Medical School