Areas of Special Expertise

Tracheal Resection

The trachea is the airway from the voicebox to the division into the lungs. Only a few surgeons in Florida routinely perform resections and operations on this anatomic structure. Dr. Sommers has performed dozens of tracheal operations for tumors and narrowing caused by scarring. It takes experience to decide if an operation is the right choice or another treatment would be a better option. Because many surgeons do not have this experience, patients may be advised to undergo less effective treatments such as stenting, or radiation therapy when in fact they can have surgery. Remember, surgery is usually a more effective solution, but you may not be offered an operation if the local surgeon doesn't have the experience to consider it. Find out for yourself.