About Thoracic Oncosurgery
Key Highlights
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Minimally invasive techniques (VATS/Robotic) reduce tissue trauma and scarring.Performed by a specialized pulmonologist with expertise in lung anatomy and oncology.Aims for complete tumor resection (R0 resection) to improve cure rates.Preserves maximum healthy lung tissue to maintain respiratory function.Often results in shorter hospital stays and faster recovery than traditional thoracotomy.Integrates with a multidisciplinary team for comprehensive cancer care.liProvides definitive tissue for accurate diagnosis and genetic profiling of the tumor./li/ul
Who is this surgery for?
- Confirmed or suspected primary lung cancer (e.g., Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer).
- Localized tumors in the lung, pleura, or mediastinum suitable for resection.
- Diagnostic biopsy for lung masses when less invasive methods are inconclusive.
- Staging of lung cancer (mediastinal lymph node dissection/sampling).
- Treatment of metastatic cancers isolated to the lungs (pulmonary metastasectomy).
- Certain benign tumors or conditions mimicking cancer that require excision.
- As part of a multimodal treatment plan with neoadjuvant or adjuvant therapy.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive evaluation including pulmonary function tests (PFTs) and cardiac assessment.
- Imaging studies: CT scan, PET-CT, and sometimes MRI for precise tumor mapping.
- Pre-operative biopsy (if not done) to confirm cancer type and guide surgery.
- Smoking cessation is mandatory for several weeks prior to surgery.
- Nutritional optimization and management of any coexisting conditions (e.g., diabetes).
- Pre-operative counseling about the procedure, risks, and recovery expectations.
- Blood tests, ECG, and anesthesia clearance.
- Instructions on fasting and medication management (e.g., stopping blood thinners).
Risks & possible complications
- General surgical risks: Bleeding, infection, and adverse reactions to anesthesia.
- Respiratory complications: Pneumonia, prolonged air leak, or respiratory failure.
- Cardiac complications such as arrhythmias or, rarely, heart attack.
- Pain at the incision sites and potential for chronic post-thoracotomy pain.
- Damage to nearby structures like nerves (leading to hoarseness), blood vessels, or esophagus.
- Risk of blood clots (deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism).
- Recurrence of cancer or incomplete resection.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial hospital stay for monitoring pain, lung re-expansion, and drainage tube management.
- Aggressive pain control is essential to enable deep breathing and coughing exercises.
- Early mobilization and incentive spirometry to prevent lung collapse and pneumonia.
- Drainage tubes (chest tubes) are removed once lung fluid and air leaks subside.
- Discharge with instructions on wound care, activity restrictions, and pain medication.
- Pulmonary rehabilitation may be recommended to regain strength and lung capacity.
- Follow-up appointments for wound check, pathology review, and planning further oncology treatment.
- Gradual return to normal activities over several weeks, avoiding heavy lifting.
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Typical hospital stay: 5-10 days
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Expected recovery time: 4-8 weeks
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering thoracic oncosurgery in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for thoracic oncosurgery in India include Kamineni Hospital, King Koti, Manipal Hospital Varthur Road, 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 thoracic oncosurgery. 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 thoracic oncosurgery compare across other countries where we have data.
Top hospitals for Thoracic Oncosurgery in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated pulmonology teams and experience managing patients undergoing thoracic oncosurgery.
Vivaan Jones, a 58-year-old former construction...
Vivaan Jones, a 58-year-old former construction supervisor and lifelong non-smoker, had always been active. Over six months, he developed a persistent, dry cough and unexplained fatigue that he initially attributed to aging. When he began experiencing sharp pains in his right shoulder blade and shortness of breath while gardening, his wife insisted he see a doctor. A chest X-ray revealed a suspicious mass in the upper lobe of his right lung. Further CT and PET scans confirmed a localized, early-stage non-small cell lung cancer. His pulmonologist, Dr. Chen, explained that due to the tumor's favorable location and Vivaan's good overall health, a thoracic oncosurgery, specifically a lobectomy, offered the best chance for a cure. The surgery was performed robotically. Vivaan was terrified in the weeks leading up to it, grappling with the shock of a cancer diagnosis and fears about his future. The procedure went smoothly, and the tumor was removed with clear margins. Recovery in the hospital was challenging due to chest tube discomfort and learning new breathing exercises, but he was diligent. Within eight weeks, with pulmonary rehab, he regained 80% of his lung function and could return to light activities. The pathology report showed no spread to lymph nodes, meaning no further chemotherapy was needed. Emotionally, Vivaan transitioned from profound fear and vulnerability to immense relief and cautious optimism. He feels he has been given a second chance and is now an advocate for early screening, focusing on cherishing time with his grandchildren.
Pulmonologists for Thoracic Oncosurgery
Explore experienced pulmonologists who regularly perform thoracic oncosurgery and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 15 Years Experience
- Pulmonologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 23 Years Experience
- Pulmonologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 24 Years Experience
- Pulmonologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 22 Years Experience
- Pulmonologist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 20 Years Experience
- Pulmonologist
Artemis Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon
- 35 Years Experience
- Pulmonologist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 33 Years Experience
- Pulmonologist
- 33 Years Experience
- Pulmonologist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 32 Years Experience
- Pulmonologist
Kamineni Hospital, King Koti, Hyderabad
- 32 Years Experience
- Pulmonologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 29 Years Experience
- Pulmonologist
- 26 Years Experience
- Pulmonologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 25 Years Experience
- Pulmonologist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 15 Years Experience
- Pulmonologist
Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, vijayawada
- 14 Years Experience
- Pulmonologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 12, Noida
- 12 Years Experience
- Pulmonologist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 8 Years Experience
- Pulmonologist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 7 Years Experience
- Pulmonologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 12, Noida
- 6 Years Experience
- Pulmonologist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 4 Years Experience
- Pulmonologist
Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, vijayawada