Learn about Pneumonectomy 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 Pneumonectomy and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Pneumonectomy

A pneumonectomy is a major surgical procedure performed by a pulmonologist or thoracic surgeon to remove an entire lung. This extensive operation is typically considered when less invasive treatments are ineffective or when a disease, such as lung cancer, is confined to one lung but is too widespread for a smaller resection. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia, often using a thoracotomy incision to access the chest cavity. After careful dissection and removal of the lung, the remaining space gradually fills with fluid. Pneumonectomy is a life-altering surgery that requires significant pre-operative evaluation and a dedicated, multi-phase recovery period to manage pain, restore function, and monitor for potential complications.

Key Highlights

    Curative intent for localized lung cancer confined to one lung.Can treat severe, unilateral lung infections or trauma unresponsive to other therapies.May be necessary for certain congenital lung abnormalities.Removes a primary source of disease, potentially halting its progression.Performed by highly specialized pulmonologists and thoracic surgeons.

Who is this surgery for?

  • Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) confined to one lung.
  • Central tumors involving the main bronchus or pulmonary artery.
  • Severe, destructive lung infections like tuberculosis or fungal disease affecting one entire lung.
  • Significant traumatic injury to one lung that cannot be repaired.
  • Certain benign tumors or congenital lung lesions occupying an entire lung.

How to prepare

  • Comprehensive pre-operative testing including pulmonary function tests (PFTs), cardiac evaluation, and imaging (CT/PET scans).
  • Smoking cessation is mandatory for several weeks prior to surgery.
  • Optimization of any chronic conditions like diabetes or heart disease.
  • Pre-operative counseling with the surgical and anesthesia teams.
  • Fasting for 8-12 hours before the procedure as instructed.

Risks & possible complications

  • Bleeding (hemorrhage) during or after surgery.
  • Infection, including pneumonia in the remaining lung or surgical site infection.
  • Persistent air leak or bronchopleural fistula (a leak from the bronchial stump).
  • Post-pneumonectomy syndrome (shift of mediastinal structures).
  • Cardiac complications such as arrhythmias or heart failure.
  • Respiratory failure and prolonged need for ventilator support.
  • Chronic pain and reduced exercise tolerance.

Recovery & hospital stay

  • Initial recovery in the ICU for 1-2 days for close monitoring of breathing and heart function.
  • Aggressive pain management and early mobilization to prevent complications.
  • Deep breathing exercises and incentive spirometry are crucial to expand the remaining lung.
  • Drainage tubes are typically not used, but the chest cavity is monitored.
  • Gradual increase in activity over several weeks; pulmonary rehabilitation is often recommended.
  • Lifelong adaptations are necessary, including avoiding heavy lifting and high-altitude travel initially.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 7-14 days
  • checked Expected recovery time: 6-12 weeks for basic activities; 6-12 months for full adaptation

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are considering pneumonectomy 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 pneumonectomy compare across other countries where we have data.

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
India USD 3,854 – USD 8,809 7-14 days ~ 6-12 weeks for basic activities; 6-12 months for full adaptation Know More
Turkey USD 28,685 – USD 65,565 7-14 days ~ 6-12 weeks for basic activities; 6-12 months for full adaptation Know More

Top hospitals for Pneumonectomy in India

These partner hospitals in India have dedicated pulmonology teams and experience managing patients undergoing pneumonectomy.

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3363+ Rating

Kamineni Hospital, King Koti

  • IconHyderabad, India
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1610+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Varthur Road

  • IconBangalore, India
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1161+ Rating

Artemis Hospital Gurgaon

  • IconGurgaon, India
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PATIENT REVIEW

Krishna Bhatia, a 58-year-old retired school...

Krishna Bhatia, a 58-year-old retired school principal and lifelong non-smoker, had a persistent cough and unexplained weight loss. A CT scan revealed a large, centrally located tumor in his right lung, diagnosed as squamous cell carcinoma. It was too large for a lobectomy. His pulmonologist, Dr. Mehta, recommended a right pneumonectomy as the only curative option, explaining the risks and the significant adjustment his body would need to make. Krishna was terrified, fearing he wouldn't be able to breathe or enjoy his morning walks with his wife. The surgery was long but successful. His recovery in the hospital was difficult, marked by pain and breathlessness with any movement. At home, dedicated pulmonary rehabilitation became his new routine. Six months later, while his stamina is reduced, he can walk slowly around his garden and has resumed light activities. The emotional journey was profound; pre-surgery, he grappled with mortality and loss of independence. Post-surgery, he feels a deep gratitude for each breath and has refocused his life on family and quiet moments, viewing the surgery not as a loss but as a fierce battle for more time.

Pulmonologists for Pneumonectomy

Explore experienced pulmonologists who regularly perform pneumonectomy and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.

Dr. Nandini Biswas
  • 27 Years Experience
  • Pulmonologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 2000
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital EM Bypass, Kolkata

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Dr. Angshuman Mukherjee
  • 12 Years Experience
  • Pulmonologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Koushik N S
  • 13 Years Experience
  • Pulmonologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 800
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Preetham Acharya
  • 25 Years Experience
  • Pulmonologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 400
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus KMC Hospital Mangalore, Mangalore

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Dr. Sheetal Chaurasia
  • 15 Years Experience
  • Pulmonologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 400
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore

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Dr. Arnab Bera
  • 9 Years Experience
  • Pulmonologist
Consult Charge ₹ 1500
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Salt Lake, Kolkata

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Dr. Vikas Pilaniya
  • 6 Years Experience
  • Pulmonologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1500
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Jaipur, Jaipur

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Dr. Davinder Kundra
  • 14 Years Experience
  • Pulmonologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 900
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Dwarka, Delhi

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Dr. Suhas H S
  • 7 Years Experience
  • Pulmonologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 500
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore

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Dr. Ramesh B R
  • 33 Years Experience
  • Pulmonologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 800
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore

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Dr. Vijay Singh Baid Singh
  • 40 Years Experience
  • Pulmonologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospitals Broadway, Kolkata

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Dr. Subhasish Ghosh
  • 34 Years Experience
  • Pulmonologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1500
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, Kolkata

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Dr. Manjunath B G
  • 16 Years Experience
  • Pulmonologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 800
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Varthur Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Elakya
  • 11 Years Experience
  • Pulmonologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 450
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Salem, Salem

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Dr. Shelly Shamim
  • 19 Years Experience
  • Pulmonologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1200
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata

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Dr. Nirmala
  • 9 Years Experience
  • Pulmonologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 800
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Ayush Goel
  • 6 Years Experience
  • Pulmonologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, Kolkata

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Dr. Shivaraj Kumar KV
  • 9 Years Experience
  • Pulmonologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 2000
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Millers Road, Bangalore

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Dr. Debraj Jash
  • 15 Years Experience
  • Pulmonologist
Speaks: English, English, Hindi, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 2000
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital EM Bypass, Kolkata

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Dr. Akshatha P Kumar
  • 8 Years Experience
  • Pulmonologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 750
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Jayanagar, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated