About Rib Resection
Key Highlights
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Provides definitive relief from chronic rib-related pain conditions like costochondritis or slipping rib syndrome.Can decompress nerves and blood vessels in thoracic outlet syndrome, improving arm function and circulation.Offers a surgical solution when conservative treatments like physical therapy or medications have failed.May be performed using minimally invasive (thoracoscopic) techniques for potentially faster recovery.Directly addresses structural abnormalities, fractures, or tumors affecting the rib cage.
Who is this surgery for?
- Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS) causing neurogenic or vascular symptoms.
- Chronic, debilitating pain from conditions like slipping rib syndrome or costochondritis.
- Malignant or benign tumors originating in or involving the rib (e.g., chondrosarcoma).
- Severe, non-healing rib fractures or post-traumatic deformities.
- As an access procedure for surgeries on the lung, heart, or spine.
- Chronic infection of the rib bone (osteomyelitis) not responsive to antibiotics.
How to prepare
- Complete pre-operative medical evaluation, including blood tests, chest X-ray, and possibly a CT scan.
- Discussion of all medications; stopping blood thinners (e.g., aspirin, warfarin) as advised by the surgeon.
- Fasting for 8-12 hours before the surgery as per anesthesia guidelines.
- Pre-operative counseling to understand the procedure, risks, and recovery expectations.
- Arranging for assistance at home and time off work for the initial recovery period.
- Smoking cessation is strongly recommended to improve healing and lung function.
Risks & possible complications
- General surgical risks: Reaction to anesthesia, bleeding, infection at the incision site.
- Injury to the lung (pneumothorax) or surrounding blood vessels and nerves (e.g., intercostal nerve).
- Persistent pain, numbness, or weakness in the chest, shoulder, or arm.
- Pleural effusion (fluid buildup around the lung).
- Rib fracture at a nearby site or poor bone healing.
- Scarring and, rarely, chronic regional pain syndrome.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Hospital stay typically required for pain control and monitoring of lung function.
- Pain management with medications; deep breathing exercises are crucial to prevent lung complications.
- Activity restrictions: Avoid heavy lifting, pushing, or pulling for several weeks.
- Incision care as instructed, watching for signs of infection like redness or discharge.
- Gradual return to light activities; physical therapy may be recommended to restore strength and mobility.
- Follow-up appointments to monitor healing and assess surgical outcomes.
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Typical hospital stay: 3-5 days
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Expected recovery time: 4-6 weeks for basic activities, up to 3 months for full recovery
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering rib resection in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for rib resection in India include Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, 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 rib resection. MediFyr helps you compare general surgeons 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 rib resection compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 150 Thousand – 400 Thousand | 3-5 days | ~ 4-6 weeks for basic activities, up to 3 months for full recovery | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 525 Thousand – 1.4 Million | 3-5 days | ~ 4-6 weeks for basic activities, up to 3 months for full recovery | Know More |
Top hospitals for Rib Resection in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated general surgery teams and experience managing patients undergoing rib resection.
Anjali Khan, a 42-year-old high school...
Anjali Khan, a 42-year-old high school biology teacher and mother of two, had endured a constant, deep ache under her right shoulder blade for over three years. The pain, initially dismissed as poor posture from grading papers, became a sharp, stabbing sensation with any overhead movement, like writing on the whiteboard or reaching for a plate. She loved hiking and yoga but had to give them up. After countless physiotherapy sessions and painkillers offered only temporary relief, a thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) diagnosis was confirmed via imaging and nerve studies. Her vascular surgeon explained that her first rib was compressing nerves and blood vessels. He recommended a transaxillary rib resection to remove the compressive portion of the rib. Anjali was terrified of surgery but desperate for her life back. The procedure went smoothly. The first week was tough, with significant pain and limited arm movement, but she followed her physio plan diligently. Within six weeks, the chronic, debilitating ache was gone. She cried with relief when she could comfortably lift her arm to put away groceries. Emotionally, she transitioned from feeling broken and frustrated by her body's betrayal to empowered and grateful. She's now slowly returning to gentle yoga, her joy in simple movements renewed.
General surgeons for Rib Resection
Explore experienced general surgeons who regularly perform rib resection and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 31 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 18 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 18 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 15 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 11 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 9 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 27 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 24 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- General surgeon
- 16 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 37 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 26 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 41 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala
- 11 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala
- 10 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala
- 18 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Mysore, Mysore
- 39 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore
- 37 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore
- 35 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore