About USC Surgery
USC Surgery at Keck Medicine of USC in Los Angeles is dedicated to providing quality patient care and conducting innovative research that will advance the future of surgical practice. Our surgeons make up an essential part of our patients’ care teams at Keck Medicine of USC, treating complex cases in conditions of the heart, liver, lungs, cancer and more.
Our surgeons have expertise in minimally invasive treatments and leading technologies, enabling them to provide patients with better outcomes. We perform more robotic surgeries than at any other hospital in the metro Los Angeles area. We also train other surgeons and physicians worldwide on how to use robotic systems effectively. Read more »
Specialty Areas
We lead the way when it comes to advanced surgical techniques, such as robotic surgeries and minimally invasive laparoscopic approaches. Our pioneering surgery program is extremely experienced, performing a high volume of procedures, including close to 30,000 open heart surgeries since 2002.
Heart Surgery
Treating cardiovascular disease with innovative techniques, such as robotic-assisted procedures and mechanical support for end-stage heart conditions.
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Lung Surgery
Diagnosing and treating diseases affecting the thoracic cavity, including the lungs, esophagus, stomach, mediastinum and chest wall.
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Vascular Surgery
Offering comprehensive care of vascular disease through preventive services, diagnostic expertise, minimally invasive therapies and traditional surgical techniques.
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Colorectal Surgery
Managing such conditions as colon cancer, anal cancer, inflammatory bowel diseases and benign disorders of the colon, rectum and anus.
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Upper GI and General Surgery
Including the divisions of bariatric surgery, breast surgery, esophageal surgery, hernia surgery and thyroid surgery.
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Hepatobiliary Surgery
Surgically treating conditions of the liver, pancreas, gallbladder and biliary tract.
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Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Providing world-class elective and non-elective procedures, such as breast reconstruction, hand surgery, extremity reconstruction and cosmetic surgery.
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Trauma and Critical Care
Caring for patients suffering from severe injuries or illnesses, including trauma surgery, emergency surgery and surgical critical care.
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“Technology has helped my job tremendously. Imaging in surgery helps guide surgical dissection and the way I am able to provide treatments to patients.”

“My patients inspire me each and every day. They come from all walks of life and have experienced so many different trials and triumphs in their own lives.”

“The most rewarding part of my job is when I see a heart transplant patient walking through the lobby as if they never had a heart transplant.”
Hear From Our Patients
The Keck Effect: More Friendship
Two law enforcement officers took part in a living donor transplant at Keck Hospital of USC in which one donated part of his liver to save the other.
“He’s given me life. It’s something he did out of his heart, and it’s something that I will never be able to repay.”
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In the News
Surgical and Transcatheter Valve Repair and Replacement: What It Is And Why You May Need It
Surgical and transcatheter valve repair and replacement is the process of either using a tube or conducting surgery to recover the flood flow within your heart. What does it do? In the simplest terms possible, surgical and transcatheter valve repair and replacement helps fix the narrowing of an aortic valve, also known as aortic stenosis. An ... Read More »
Featured Video
Healing the Healer
Having performed many anti-reflux surgeries over the years, upper GI surgeon F. Paul “Tripp” Buckley turned to Keck Medicine of USC and esophageal and gastric surgeon John Lipham, MD, to treat his own acid reflux with the revolutionary LINX device.