About Lung Cancer Surgery
Key Highlights
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Offers the best potential for a cure in early-stage lung cancer.Can be performed using minimally invasive techniques (VATS/Robotic) for reduced trauma.Precise removal of cancerous tissue while preserving as much healthy lung function as possible.Provides definitive tissue for accurate staging and genetic testing to guide further therapy.Often part of a comprehensive treatment plan coordinated by a multidisciplinary team.
Who is this surgery for?
- Confirmed diagnosis of early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC Stage I, II, or select IIIA).
- A tumor that is localized and has not widely metastasized.
- Patient has adequate lung function and overall health to tolerate major surgery.
- As a diagnostic procedure when a biopsy is inconclusive.
- For palliative purposes to relieve symptoms like bleeding or obstruction in advanced cases.
How to prepare
- Complete medical evaluation including pulmonary function tests (PFTs) and cardiac assessment.
- Imaging studies like CT scans and PET scans to precisely locate the tumor.
- Pre-operative counseling with the surgical oncologist and anesthesiologist.
- Smoking cessation is absolutely critical and should begin as soon as possible.
- Adjustment or temporary stoppage of certain medications (e.g., blood thinners) as advised.
- Fasting for 8-12 hours before the scheduled surgery time.
Risks & possible complications
- General surgical risks: bleeding, infection, and adverse reactions to anesthesia.
- Pulmonary complications: pneumonia, prolonged air leak, or respiratory failure.
- Cardiac events such as arrhythmias or heart attack.
- Persistent pain in the chest or shoulder area.
- Risk of blood clots (deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism).
- Long-term reduction in lung capacity and shortness of breath.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial hospital stay involves pain management, breathing exercises, and early mobilization.
- Use of an incentive spirometer is crucial to prevent lung collapse and pneumonia.
- Drainage tubes from the chest are typically removed within a few days.
- Patients are encouraged to walk frequently but must avoid heavy lifting for several weeks.
- Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor healing, remove stitches, and discuss pathology results.
- Pulmonary rehabilitation may be recommended to improve strength and breathing capacity.
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Typical hospital stay: 5-10 days
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Expected recovery time: 6-12 weeks
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering lung cancer surgery in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Top-rated hospitals in India with surgical oncology departments and experienced surgeons are ideal for this procedure. Use MediFyr to compare facilities, reviews, and doctor profiles before you decide.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform lung cancer surgery. MediFyr helps you compare surgical oncologists 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 lung cancer surgery compare across other countries where we have data.
Emma Ali, a 58-year-old former school...
Emma Ali, a 58-year-old former school librarian and non-smoker, had always been active and health-conscious. A persistent, dry cough that lingered for months after a mild cold finally prompted her to see her doctor. A chest X-ray revealed a suspicious nodule in her right lung, and a subsequent biopsy confirmed Stage I adenocarcinoma. Shocked and fearful, Emma met with Dr. Chen, a surgical oncologist, who explained that the cancer appeared localized. He recommended a video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) lobectomy to remove the affected lobe, emphasizing its minimally invasive nature and high cure rate for early-stage disease. The surgery went smoothly, and though the chest tube was uncomfortable, Emma was walking the same evening. Her recovery at home was challenging but steady; she focused on gentle breathing exercises and short walks. Path results confirmed clear margins and no lymph node involvement. Six months later, while she still gets winded faster than before, her follow-up scans show no evidence of disease. Emotionally, she moved from initial terror and disbelief, wondering 'why me?', to a profound gratitude for early detection. She now volunteers with a lung cancer awareness group, channeling her anxiety into advocacy for others, especially non-smokers.
Surgical Oncologists for Lung Cancer Surgery
Explore experienced surgical oncologists who regularly perform lung cancer surgery and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 9 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 11 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 39 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 20 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore