The department of thoracic surgery specialises in the surgery of the chest (thorax) to treat diseased or injured organs in the thorax, including the esophagus, trachea, pleura, mediastinum, chest wall, diaphragm, heart, and lungs.

The department also encompasses accidents and injuries to the chest, esophageal disorders (esophageal cancer or esophagitis), lung cancer, lung transplantation, and surgery for emphysema.