Thoracic surgery · Lahey Clinic
Chair, Department of SurgeryLahey Clinic
Professor of SurgeryUMass Chan Medical School
Thoracic and minimally invasive surgery
Dr. Servais is an internationally recognized academic thoracic and esophageal surgeon with expertise in robotic and minimally invasive surgery. He treats lung and esophageal cancer, swallowing disorders, reflux, thoracic outlet syndrome, and other conditions of the chest. His practice emphasizes multidisciplinary care tailored to each patient’s needs.
Patient care
Choose a condition to learn about evaluation and treatment. A consultation can help clarify your diagnosis, compare options, or provide a second opinion.
Patient Education
What a spot on a scan can mean, and how follow-up is planned.
Read the guideDiagnosis, staging, treatment choices, and robotic lung surgery.
Read the guideCoordinated treatment, robotic esophagectomy, and recovery.
Read the guideTesting, medical treatment, and when an antireflux procedure may help.
Read the guideUnderstanding a hernia and deciding whether repair is appropriate.
Read the guideSwallowing tests and the choices between Heller myotomy, POEM, and other treatments.
Read the guideNerve or blood vessel compression, testing, and treatment options.
Read the guideAir or fluid around the lung, drainage, and when robotic surgery may help.
Read the guideThymoma, myasthenia gravis, and the role of robotic surgery.
Read the guidePreparing for a consultation →
Approach to care
A Collaborative, Multidisciplinary Approach to Care
I aim to help you understand your diagnosis, the available options, and the reasons for a treatment recommendation. I consider the clinical evidence alongside your overall health and what matters to you, working with colleagues across specialties when needed. I welcome questions and the involvement of family or others you trust in these conversations.
To learn more about Lahey Clinic:
Your first visit
A consultation is a conversation about your diagnosis and next steps; it does not commit you to surgery.
Patient testimonials
Selected excerpts from patients and family members on Healthgrades.
“The care was fabulous. The thoracic team was so impressive. … Dr. Servais was amazing to work with. He provided lots of compassion and details to get us through this difficult time. He’s a gem.”
“My family has full faith and confidence that he will do what is best for the patient, he treated my wife with the utmost respect.”
“Wonderful doctor, tops in his fields. … I cannot say enough wonderful things about him. I highly recommend this doctor.”
Highly competitive seven-year BA/MD program
summa cum laude
Board certified in general surgery and thoracic surgery.
Lahey Clinic · Hospital recognition
Elliot L. Servais, MD · Physician recognition
Robotic thoracic surgery
The surgeon controls the instruments from a console in the operating room. The robotic system does not perform an operation independently. Dr. Servais performs the operation and makes all operative decisions.
The robotic system provides precise instrument movements and a magnified, three-dimensional view. It allows Dr. Servais to perform complex techniques that can be difficult with conventional minimally invasive instruments. By helping make a minimally invasive approach possible, robotic thoracic surgery may reduce pain and support recovery compared with open surgery. Benefits and risks depend on the operation and the individual patient.[1]
Dr. Servais is a well-recognized expert in robotic thoracic surgery, with a high-volume clinical practice and experience teaching and mentoring surgeons. He uses robotic minimally invasive techniques in nearly all his operations, including complex cases.
The choice of operation and approach depends on your condition and health. Each patient guide explains how surgery fits into the broader treatment plan.
Explore the patient guides →About & leadership
Chair, Department of Surgery · Lahey Clinic
Professor of Surgery · UMass Chan Medical School
Dr. Servais leads Lahey Clinic’s Department of Surgery while continuing an active thoracic and esophageal surgical practice. His academic work includes lung cancer screening, surgical outcomes, and the education of surgeons.
Board certified in general surgery and thoracic surgery.
For colleagues
Explore selected publications, national service, surgical teaching, and Dr. Servais’s full CV.
Visit For Colleagues →Contact information
For a consultation, second opinion, or referral, contact the Cardiac & Thoracic Surgery office at Lahey Clinic.
781-744-8570 Lahey Clinic · Cardiac & Thoracic SurgeryBurlington office
Dr. Servais currently sees patients at Lahey Clinic in Burlington.
41 Mall Road
Dr. Servais’s Lahey Clinic profile For referring physicians Plan your first visit →
