Thoracoscopy Treatment in India
About Thoracoscopy
Key Highlights
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Minimally invasive with small incisions, reducing tissue trauma.Provides direct, high-definition visualization of the lungs and pleural space.Allows for both diagnostic evaluation and therapeutic intervention in one procedure.Typically results in less post-operative pain compared to open thoracotomy.Shorter hospital stay and faster overall recovery time.Lower risk of infection and complications associated with large surgical wounds./ul
Who is this surgery for?
- Diagnosis of unexplained pleural effusion (fluid around the lung).
- Evaluation of suspected lung cancer, mesothelioma, or metastatic disease.
- Investigation of persistent chest pain or unexplained abnormalities on chest X-ray/CT scan.
- Biopsy of lung nodules, pleural tissue, or mediastinal lymph nodes.
- Treatment of recurrent pleural effusions or pneumothorax (collapsed lung).
- Drainage of empyema (infected pleural fluid) or lung abscess.
- Performance of pleurodesis (sealing the pleural space to prevent fluid re-accumulation).
How to prepare
- Complete pre-operative assessment including blood tests, chest X-ray, and CT scan.
- Detailed discussion with the pulmonologist about medical history, allergies, and current medications.
- Adjustment or temporary cessation of blood-thinning medications (e.g., aspirin, warfarin) as advised.
- Fasting for 6-12 hours before the procedure, depending on anesthesia type.
- Informed consent process explaining the procedure, benefits, and potential risks.
- Arranging for transportation home post-procedure as driving is not permitted.
Risks & possible complications
- Bleeding or hemorrhage at the incision sites or internally.
- Infection of the surgical site or within the chest cavity (empyema).
- Persistent air leak from the lung, potentially requiring a longer hospital stay.
- Injury to surrounding structures like blood vessels, nerves, or the diaphragm.
- Adverse reactions to anesthesia, such as respiratory issues or nausea.
- Development of subcutaneous emphysema (air under the skin).
- Rare complications include pneumonia, blood clots, or arrhythmias.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial monitoring in a recovery area for vital signs and pain management.
- A chest tube may remain for 1-3 days to drain fluid/air and ensure lung re-expansion.
- Pain at incision sites is common and managed with prescribed medications.
- Deep breathing exercises and incentive spirometry are encouraged to prevent lung collapse.
- Gradual increase in mobility; avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity for several weeks.
- Follow-up appointment to review biopsy results and assess healing.
- Contact the doctor immediately for signs of infection, fever, shortness of breath, or chest pain.
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Typical hospital stay:
2-5 days
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Expected recovery time:
2-4 weeks
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering thoracoscopy in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for thoracoscopy 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 thoracoscopy. 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 thoracoscopy compare across other countries where we have data.
Top hospitals for Thoracoscopy in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated pulmonology teams and experience managing patients undergoing thoracoscopy.
Hyderabad, India
20 Doctors
James Sharma, a 58-year-old retired school...
James Sharma, a 58-year-old retired school principal and avid gardener, had been experiencing a persistent, dry cough and unexplained shortness of breath for three months. A lifelong non-smoker, he was worried when a chest X-ray revealed a significant pleural effusion (fluid buildup) around his left lung. Despite draining the fluid with a needle, it rapidly reaccumulated. His pulmonologist, Dr. Mehta, recommended a thoracoscopy to visually examine the pleural space, obtain biopsies, and potentially perform a talc pleurodesis to prevent the fluid from returning. James was anxious about the surgery and the possibility of a cancer diagnosis. The procedure, performed under general anesthesia, went smoothly. Post-operatively, he had a chest tube for two days which was uncomfortable but manageable. The biopsies returned benign, showing inflammation from an unknown cause. The pleurodesis was successful. Within six weeks, James's breathing was back to normal. The emotional relief was profound; he moved from a state of fear and uncertainty to immense gratitude, eagerly returning to his garden with a renewed appreciation for his health.
Pulmonologists for Thoracoscopy
Explore experienced pulmonologists who regularly perform thoracoscopy 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