AHN Wexford Hospital in Pine adds cardiothoracic surgery program

Allegheny Health Network is expanding the services offered at its Wexford Hospital in Pine with the addition of a thoracic surgery program.

The clinical director for the program is cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Hiran C. Fernando, who also serves as a professor of surgery at the Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia.

The new program gives patients in the North Hills and surrounding counties treatment for a wide range of conditions, including esophageal cancer, pulmonary disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease, complex hernias, lung cancer and mesothelioma.

The team lead by Fernando are nationally recognized specialists in video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery and endoscopic and minimally invasive robotic surgical procedures for the lungs and esophagus.

“A leading thoracic surgery program at a community hospital is truly significant as it provides patients with easy access to highly-advanced surgical capabilities which diagnose, manage and treat a diverse set of conditions within the chest, lungs, esophagus and diaphragm,” Fernando said.

“Our team of cardiothoracic specialists will collaborate closely across the network with gastroenterology, pulmonary disease, medical and radiation oncology clinicians and others to design personalized treatment plans for patients,” he said.

AHN president Dr. Allan Klapper said the new thoracic surgery center is a valuable addition to the services offered by the hospital.

“The clinical advancements and robotic techniques brought to AHN Wexford by the thoracic surgery division will result in faster recovery times, less time spent in the hospital and minimized risks for patients,” he said.

“The introduction of these advanced surgical capabilities is further complemented by the care provided at AHN Wexford Health + Wellness Pavilion. Thoracic surgery patients will have easy access to preventative, pre- and post-op care as well as rehabilitation services all from one centralized campus,” Klapper said.

Since opening the 160-bed hospital along Perry Highway last fall, AHN has expanded services with the addition of a cardiac catheterization lab and a bariatric surgery program.

The hospital also has a hybrid operating room that includes advanced imaging for complex, minimally invasive procedures.