Esophageal and Lung Surgery Patient Stories

At the UPMC Esophageal and Lung Surgery Institute, our experts provide hope to patients in need. Our mission is to offer personalized care to all of our patients and their families. The below stories feature those who have received expert care and treatment from our team.

Note: These patients' treatment and results may not be representative of all similar cases.

Deborah Puskaric

For years, Deborah has been treated for acid reflux. During a regular endoscopy, doctors discovered a giant paraoesophageal hiatal hernia, leading her to undergo robotic-assisted thoracic surgery at UPMC. Now, Deborah is fully recovered and has returned to her favorite hobbies of spending time outdoors and camping with her husband.

Read Deborah Puskaric's story

Mary Zanotto: Lung Cancer Screening

Despite receiving a lung cancer diagnosis, Mary was grateful that a low-dose CT scan revealed the cancer at an early stage. After undergoing a minimally invasive procedure, she’s feeling healthy and has improved quality of life.

Read Mary Zanotto's story

John Davis: Lung Resection Surgery

John Davis participated in the Pittsburgh Lung Screening Study (PLuSS), which led experts at UPMC Esophageal and Lung Surgery Institute to diagnose his lung cancer at an early stage and perform lung resection surgery to remove it.

Read John Davis's story

Jeff Lyle: Esophageal Cancer

After being diagnosed with esophageal cancer, Jeff received a robotic-assisted esophagectomy. Read Jeff's story to learn more about his experience at UPMC.

Read Jeff Lyle's story

David Solovey: Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy

David Solovey - Esophagectomy Patient Story

When David Solovey was diagnosed with esophageal cancer, he knew that surgery would be his only hope. With the support of his family, he began searching for the best treatment available. His search led him to the UPMC Esophageal and Lung Surgery Institute.

Read David Solovey's story