Affiliated Treatment Facilities
01. Doctor Overview
Doctor Overview
Dr. John Keech is a cardiothoracic surgeon and professor at the University of Iowa. He is also a staff surgeon at the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Iowa City. As a doctor and researcher, he has experience in Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery (VATS). VATS is a minimally invasive surgery technique for the chest. It can be used to diagnose pleural mesothelioma.
In addition to his surgical duties, Dr. Keech is the Director of the Center for Procedural Skills and Simulation. He also directs the residency program for the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery.
“I am committed to providing the best and most efficient care to my patients…and doing everything I can to improve their lives,” Dr. Keech said. “I am proud to be part of a team that offers the most advanced treatments for the full spectrum of lung and esophageal diseases.”
02. Fast Facts
Doctor Fast Facts
Main Specialty: Cardiothoracic Surgery
Other Interests & Specialties: Bronchoscopy, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), esophageal cancer, esophagus, gastrointestinal reflux surgery, lung cancer, lung transplant and mesothelioma.
Certifications, Awards & Accolades: American Board of Thoracic Surgery-certified in Thoracic Cardiovascular Surgery, American Board of Surgery-certified in General Surgery, Advanced Cardiac Life Support and Basic Life Support from University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa Medical License
Education & Experience:
- Medical Degree from Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine
- Internship in General Surgery at University of Washington, Seattle
- Residency in General Surgery at University of Washington, Seattle
- Fellowship in Cardiothoracic Surgery at Barnes Jewish Hospital, Washington University, St. Louis
03. Publications
Publications
Impact of paravertebral blocks on analgesic and non-analgesic outcomes after video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery: A propensity matched cohort study. PLoS One. 2021;16(5):e0252059.
Preoperative patient expectations of postoperative pain are associated with moderate to severe acute pain after vats. Pain Med. 2019 Mar 1;20(3):543–54.
A prospective study of chronic pain after thoracic surgery. Anesthesiology. 2017 May;126(5):938–51.
