Jen Vigneswaran, MD

Dr. Janani "Jen" Vigneswaran is a thoracic surgeon who provides care for adult patients throughout the St. Louis metropolitan area. She specializes in the surgical treatment of conditions affecting the chest cavity, including lung cancer, esophageal cancer and masses, mediastinal and chest wall tumors, diaphragmatic hernias, and achalasia-a rare swallowing disorder involving the esophagus. Her expertise also includes surgical management of myasthenia gravis, thoracic outlet syndrome, hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), and other complex thoracic conditions.

Dr. Vigneswaran uses advanced, minimally invasive techniques to help patients recover more comfortably and quickly. She performs robotic thoracic surgery using the newest DaVinci Robot (DV5), offering precise and effective treatment with smaller incisions and shorter hospital stays. Her clinical interests include enhanced recovery after surgery and improving patient outcomes through innovation.

Her approach to medicine is deeply personal. Dr. Vigneswaran believes in treating the whole patient, guided by their individual values and goals. Her mission is to care for each person as she would want her own family member to be cared for - with compassion, respect, and thoughtful attention.

In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Vigneswaran is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Surgery, Division of Thoracic Surgery at the Saint Louis University School of Medicine. Her research interests include the role of the microbiome in cancer, surgical education, wellness, and promoting health equity.

Dr. Vigneswaran is an active member of numerous professional organizations, including the Society of Thoracic Surgeons, Women in Thoracic Surgery, the Association of Women Surgeons, and the American College of Surgeons.