Bullectomy Treatment in India
About Bullectomy
Key Highlights
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Significantly improves lung function and breathing capacity.Reduces debilitating shortness of breath (dyspnea).Enhances overall quality of life and exercise tolerance.Minimally invasive (VATS) options lead to less pain and faster recovery.Prevents life-threatening complications like pneumothorax (collapsed lung).Allows healthier lung tissue to re-expand and function properly./ul
Who is this surgery for?
- Presence of one or more giant bullae occupying more than one-third of a hemithorax (lung space).
- Severe dyspnea (short of breath) not adequately controlled by maximal medical therapy.
- Recurrent episodes of pneumothorax (collapsed lung) caused by ruptured bullae.
- Significant compression of adjacent, healthier lung tissue by the bullae.
- Infection within a bulla (infected bulla) that does not resolve with antibiotics.
- Hemorrhage (bleeding) from a bulla.
- Progressive enlargement of bullae on imaging studies.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive pulmonary function tests (PFTs) and arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis.
- High-resolution CT scan of the chest to precisely map the size and location of bullae.
- Complete cardiac evaluation, including ECG and possibly an echocardiogram.
- Pre-operative counseling with the pulmonologist and surgeon to discuss risks and benefits.
- Smoking cessation is absolutely mandatory for several weeks before surgery.
- Optimization of medications for COPD/emphysema and other chronic conditions.
- Pre-operative physiotherapy and breathing exercises (incentive spirometry training).
- Fasting as instructed, typically from midnight before the surgery.
Risks & possible complications
- Prolonged air leak from the lung surface, the most common complication.
- Infection (pneumonia, wound infection, or empyema).
- Bleeding (hemorrhage).
- Respiratory failure requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation.
- Recurrence of bullae in other areas of the lung over time.
- Persistent post-operative pain, especially with open procedures.
- Cardiac complications such as arrhythmia.
- Adverse reactions to anesthesia.
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial recovery in the hospital for monitoring of lung re-expansion and pain management.
- One or two chest tubes are usually placed to drain air and fluid; removal occurs once air leaks stop.
- Aggressive pulmonary hygiene: deep breathing exercises, coughing, and use of an incentive spirometer.
- Early mobilization and walking with assistance to prevent complications.
- Pain is managed with medications, which are gradually tapered.
- Discharge with instructions for wound care, activity restrictions (no heavy lifting), and follow-up appointments.
- Gradual return to normal activities over several weeks, guided by the healthcare team.
- Continued participation in a pulmonary rehabilitation program is crucial for optimal long-term outcomes.
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Typical hospital stay:
5-10 days
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Expected recovery time:
4-6 weeks for basic activities, 3-6 months for full functional recovery
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering bullectomy in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for bullectomy in India include Manipal Hospital Varthur Road, Kamineni Hospital, King Koti, Artemis Hospital Gurgaon, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform bullectomy. MediFyr helps you compare pulmonologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for bullectomy compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | USD 2,753 – USD 6,607 | 5-10 days | ~ 4-6 weeks for basic activities, 3-6 months for full functional recovery | Know More |
| Turkey | USD 20,489 – USD 49,174 | 5-10 days | ~ 4-6 weeks for basic activities, 3-6 months for full functional recovery | Know More |
Top hospitals for Bullectomy in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated pulmonology teams and experience managing patients undergoing bullectomy.
Hyderabad, India
20 Doctors
Rohan Garcia, a 58-year-old former construction...
Rohan Garcia, a 58-year-old former construction supervisor, had been a heavy smoker for 35 years before quitting five years ago. He was diagnosed with severe emphysema, but recently his shortness of breath became debilitating. Simple tasks like walking to the mailbox left him gasping. A CT scan revealed a large bulla occupying nearly 30% of his right lung, compressing healthier lung tissue. His pulmonologist, Dr. Evans, explained that while his emphysema was permanent, removing this giant air sac could 'give his good lung room to breathe' and significantly improve his quality of life. Rohan underwent a video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) bullectomy. The procedure went smoothly, but the first 48 hours post-op were painful, requiring a chest tube. Within a week, he noticed a profound difference. At his six-week follow-up, his lung function tests showed a 40% improvement. Emotionally, Rohan had felt like a prisoner in his own failing body, filled with regret about smoking. After the surgery, while still managing chronic lung disease, he felt a renewed sense of hope and agency. He could play with his grandchildren in the yard again, which brought him to tears of gratitude.
Pulmonologists for Bullectomy
Explore experienced pulmonologists who regularly perform bullectomy and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 21 Years Experience
- Pulmonologist
Manipal Hospital Dwarka, Delhi
- 15 Years Experience
- Pulmonologist
Manipal Hospital Siliguri, Siliguri
- 9 Years Experience
- Pulmonologist
Manipal Hospital EM Bypass, Kolkata
- 12 Years Experience
- Pulmonologist
Manipal Hospital Siliguri, Siliguri
- 15 Years Experience
- Pulmonologist
Manipal Hospital Salt Lake, Kolkata
- 15 Years Experience
- Pulmonologist
Artemis Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon
- 15 Years Experience
- Pulmonologist
KMC Hospital Mangalore, Mangalore
- 11 Years Experience
- Pulmonologist
Manipal Hospital Vijayawada, vijayawada
- 14 Years Experience
- Pulmonologist
Manipal Hospital Kharadi, Pune
- 25 Years Experience
- Pulmonologist
KMC Hospital Mangalore, Mangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- Pulmonologist
Manipal Hospitals Broadway, Kolkata
- 17 Years Experience
- Pulmonologist
Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, Kolkata
- 12 Years Experience
- Pulmonologist
Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata
- 22 Years Experience
- Pulmonologist
Manipal Hospital Salt Lake, Kolkata
- 28 Years Experience
- Pulmonologist
Manipal Hospital Jaipur, Jaipur
- 36 Years Experience
- Pulmonologist
Manipal Hospital Millers Road, Bangalore
- 4 Years Experience
- Pulmonologist
Manipal Hospital Siliguri, Siliguri
- 8 Years Experience
- Pulmonologist
Manipal Hospital Dwarka, Delhi
- 12 Years Experience
- Pulmonologist
Manipal Hospital Varthur Road, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- Pulmonologist
Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore