- Specialty Pleural Mesothelioma
-
Simmons Cancer Institute
Address:315 West Carpenter Street
Springfield, IL 62702 - Procedure Pleural Mesothelioma Surgery
Dr. Traves D. Crabtree
Thoracic Surgeon
Dr. Traves Crabtree is a leading mesothelioma doctor at SIU Medicine’s Simmons Cancer Institute in Springfield, Illinois. He specializes in the treatment of pleural mesothelioma and other thoracic (chest-related) cancers. With more than 20 years of experience, Dr. Crabtree is a trusted expert for patients facing a difficult diagnosis. Learn more about Dr. Crabtree and get our help connecting with him today.
or call (866) 608-8933
Overview
About Dr. Traves Crabtree
Dr. Traves Crabtree is a board-certified thoracic surgeon and the Chief of the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Southern Illinois University (SIU) School of Medicine. He also serves as the Medical Director of the Surgical Skills Laboratory at the Memorial Learning Center (MLC).
Dr. Crabtree treats mesothelioma patients at Simmons Cancer Institute in Springfield. He’s experienced in complex procedures like pleurectomy/decortication (P/D) and extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP), which can help remove tumors and improve quality of life for patients who qualify for surgery.
In addition to caring for patients, Dr. Crabtree helps train the next generation of surgeons and contributes to research aimed at helping mesothelioma patients live longer and more comfortably.
Use our Free Doctor Match for help connecting with Dr. Crabtree and other mesothelioma specialists near you.
Dr. Traves Crabtree’s Mesothelioma Treatment Approach
While malignant mesothelioma is aggressive, in many cases, surgery can help remove as much of the cancer as possible to hopefully give patients more time with their families.
As a top surgeon, Dr. Crabtree works closely with a team of oncologists, radiologists, and other specialists to create a custom treatment plan for each patient. Depending on your diagnosis, this might include a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and other options (what’s known as multimodal therapy).
Dr. Crabtree is a strong proponent of patient-centered care. He takes time to explain all your options, answer every question, and make sure you’re comfortable before moving forward.
“It’s always been a dream of mine to take care of the people in the region and to make it more personal for the patient before, during, and after the surgery.”
– Dr. Traves Crabtree, pleural mesothelioma specialist
Dr. Traves Crabtree’s Medical Specializations
Dr. Crabtree has dedicated much of his surgical career to treating thoracic diseases, with a particular emphasis on cancers of the lung and chest wall.
His specialties include the treatment of:
- Pleural mesothelioma (cancer of the lung lining)
- Lung cancer
- Esophageal cancer
He’s also an expert in the following procedures:
- Extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP)
- Lung resection and lobectomy
- Pleurectomy/decortication (P/D)
- Robotic-assisted thoracic surgery
- Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS)
Download our Free Checklist of Questions to Ask Your Doctor to help guide your conversations with top surgeons like Dr. Crabtree.
Dr. Traves Crabtree’s Medical Background
Dr. Crabtree earned his medical degree from Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in 1995.
He completed his general surgery residency and a surgical infectious disease research fellowship at the University of Virginia Medical Center, followed by a cardiothoracic surgery fellowship at Washington University in St. Louis in 2004.
Dr. Crabtree taught at Washington University for several years before returning to the SIU School of Medicine in 2016 to become a professor of cardiothoracic surgery and head of the Surgical Skills Lab at the MLC.
He also sees patients at:
- Decatur Memorial Hospital
- HSHS St. John’s Hospital
- Memorial Medical Center
Highlights of Dr. Traves Crabtree’s Medical Career
Dr. Crabtree has accomplished a great deal over his 20+ year career in thoracic oncology. He’s well known in the medical community for his commitment to improving patient outcomes through treatment and research.
Awards and Accolades
Dr. Crabtree has received recognition for his contributions to oncology and surgical excellence.
These accolades include:
- Best Doctors in America
- Castle Connolly Top Doctor
- Society of Surgeons’ General Thoracic Richard Clark Award
Professional Affiliations
Dr. Crabtree holds several licenses and certifications in his field.
These professional affiliations include:
- American Association of Thoracic Surgeons
- American College of Chest Physicians
- American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer
- Board certification by the American Board of Thoracic Surgeons
- Society of Thoracic Surgeons
“There’s something about not just the technical aspect of doing the operation but being able to comfort the patient and be with them through the process of dealing with cancer.”
– Dr. Traves Crabtree, pleural mesothelioma specialist
Dr. Traves Crabtree’s Research and Published Works
Dr Crabtree has authored over 120 national and regional publications. He also serves on the editorial board for The Annals of Thoracic Surgery.
Research and Published Works
Dr. Crabtree’s research has been published in several respected national medical journals.
Some of his published works include:
- Digital Pleural Versus Analog Drainage Devices for Postoperative Management of Patients After Pulmonary Resection. Published in the European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery, March 2025.
- The Society of Thoracic Surgeons Expert Consensus Document on the Management of Pleural Drains After Pulmonary Lobectomy: Expert Consensus Document. Published in The Annals of Thoracic Surgery, October 2024.
- Liposomal Bupivacaine: A Boon or Bane for Postlobectomy Pain Management? Published in The Annals of Thoracic Surgery, September 2023.
- The Society of Thoracic Surgeons General Thoracic Surgery Database: 2019 Update on Research. Published in The Annals of Thoracic Surgery, September 2019.
His work is shaping the future of thoracic oncology and bringing hope to mesothelioma patients across the country.
Use our Free Doctor Match now to get help contacting Dr. Crabtree and other mesothelioma experts.
Dr. Traves Crabtree’s Work in Cancer Treatment & Research
Dr. Crabtree is an active researcher and sees to it that his patients have access to cutting-edge therapies in clinical trials. His goal is to improve life expectancy and enhance the quality of life of every person in his care.
He holds several patents and has created a lifelike lung simulation model made from synthetic materials that mimic real skin, muscle, and bone. It’s designed to help train physicians by giving them a hands-on, realistic way to practice complex surgeries.
His research has taken a close look at how stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) compares to surgery in early-stage lung cancer, and his findings have helped shape how doctors approach treatment today. He’s also played a key role in authoring clinical guidelines for multimodal therapy.
Get Connected With Dr. Crabtree
If you or a loved one is facing pleural mesothelioma, connecting with a trusted specialist can make all the difference.
Dr. Traves Crabtree in Springfield, IL, is dedicated to patient-centered care and innovative treatment strategies, making him one of the top mesothelioma doctors in the U.S.
Call (866) 608-8933 or use our Free Doctor Match to get help connecting with Dr. Crabtree and other top mesothelioma doctors.
Mesothelioma Hope has no affiliation with and is not endorsed or sponsored by Dr. Traves D. Crabtree. Any contact information listed is for informational purposes only. You have the right to contact Dr. Traves D. Crabtree directly.
Written by:Jenna Tozzi, RNJenna Tozzi, RN, is the Chief Patient Care Advisor for Mesothelioma Hope. With more than 15 years of experience as an adult and pediatric oncology nurse navigator, Jenna provides exceptional guidance and support to cancer patients and their loved ones. Jenna has been featured in Oncology Nursing News and is a member of the Academy of Oncology Nurse & Patient Navigators & the American Nurses Association.
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