Candelaria Hospital Thoracic Unit Sets New Standard for Surgical Care in Canary Islands

The thoracic surgery unit at the Hospital Universitario Nuestra Señora de Candelaria has become a model for modernizing surgical care in the Canary Islands. The hospital reports that the unit successfully balances highly complex procedures with efficient patient wait times.

Each year, the team performs over 300 surgeries, nearly a third of which involve major lung resections. The unit is moving beyond traditional methods, increasingly using robotic surgery—averaging 55 operations annually—and advanced video-assisted thoracoscopy. By prioritizing these minimally invasive techniques, surgeons can reduce trauma and tailor treatments to each patient’s specific needs, whether they are dealing with emphysema, pneumothorax, or complex reconstructions.

The service provides comprehensive care, including 24-hour emergency support, rib fixations, and treatments for conditions like hyperhidrosis. Beyond the operating room, the team manages over 2,000 outpatient consultations every year.

A major recent improvement is the 2024 launch of an enhanced recovery protocol. This new approach has successfully reduced the average hospital stay to under five days, helping patients recover more quickly and comfortably.

Because many of these cases involve cancer, the hospital relies on a highly collaborative approach. A multidisciplinary committee meets weekly, bringing together experts from pulmonology, oncology, radiology, pathology, and pharmacy. By working together, these specialists create personalized treatment plans for complex cases, ensuring that patients receive the most effective care possible within the public health system.