[The cooperation between three institutions in favor of high-standard thoracic surgical care in the central region of Hungary].

Abstract

The cooperation between the Thoracic Surgery Department of the National Institute of Oncology, the Thoracic Surgery Clinic of the Semmelweis University, and the Thoracic Surgery Unit of the National Korányi Institute of Pulmonology shows an exemplary partnership. This cooperation includes patient care, education, and research, with some overlap in human resources. Robotic surgeries, lung transplants, and other oncological operations are carried out at the National Institute of Oncology, where thoracic surgery education for medical students is also provided in collaboration with Semmelweis University. The Semmelweis Thoracic Surgery Clinic’s research facility is located within the territory of the National Korányi Institute of Pulmonology. In addition to elective oncological surgeries, the Korányi Institute offers around-the-clock acute thoracic surgical care and manages thoracic trauma. During postgraduate education, residents rotate through each of the three units, allowing them to gain experience in various operations. This partnership does not establish a new entity but reflects a sensible cooperation of three independent organizations, collectively referred to as the Thoracic Center in this paper. This overview focuses on the surgical and scientific work at the Thoracic Center, emphasizing available surgical methods, minimally invasive procedures, and international collaborations. Each year, we conduct over 2,000 surgeries, including approximately 650–700 anatomical resections, 15–20 lung transplants, and numerous robot-assisted operations, which program started in 2023. The use of minimally invasive techniques has been on the rise, and by implementing advanced practices, we have decreased complication rates and reduced average hospital stays. Overall, the Thoracic Center has achieved international praise in thoracic surgery, committed to the ongoing and comprehensive enhancement of its services. By offering a complete range of care, we maintain a competitive edge in surgical, research, and educational aspects of our work. Orv Hetil. 2025; 166(6): 203–209.