Learn about Lung Cancer Surgery Treatment in India — how it works, who it is for, recovery timelines, and what to expect before and after surgery. Compare hospitals and doctors experienced in Lung Cancer Surgery and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Lung Cancer Surgery

Lung cancer surgery is a major surgical procedure performed by a surgical oncologist to remove cancerous tissue from the lungs. The primary goal is to achieve a complete resection of the tumor, offering the best chance for a cure, especially in early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The specific type of surgery, such as a wedge resection, segmentectomy, lobectomy, or pneumonectomy, depends on the tumor's size, location, and stage. These procedures are often performed using minimally invasive techniques like video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) or robotic-assisted surgery, which can lead to smaller incisions, less pain, and a faster recovery compared to traditional open thoracotomy. This surgery is a cornerstone of multimodal lung cancer treatment and is often combined with chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

Key Highlights

    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.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 5-10 days
  • checked 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.

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.

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
India INR 250 Thousand – 800 Thousand 5-10 days ~ 6-12 weeks Know More
Turkey TRY 875 Thousand – 2.8 Million 5-10 days ~ 6-12 weeks Know More
PATIENT REVIEW

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.

Dr. Nitish Ranjan Acharya
  • 9 Years Experience
  • Surgical Oncologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar

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Dr. Devesh S. Ballal
  • 11 Years Experience
  • Surgical Oncologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore

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Dr. Lakshmanan C.
  • 39 Years Experience
  • Surgical Oncologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore

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Dr. Manjunath N. M. L.
  • 20 Years Experience
  • Surgical Oncologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated