Thoracotomy Treatment in India
About Thoracotomy
Key Highlights
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Provides direct, open access to the chest cavity for complex diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.Allows for the removal of large tumors, treatment of major trauma, and management of complex infections.Enables surgeons to perform intricate procedures on the lungs, heart, esophagus, and major vessels.Can be life-saving in emergencies like massive bleeding or penetrating chest injuries.Often the definitive treatment for conditions not manageable with minimally invasive techniques.
Who is this surgery for?
- Diagnosis or treatment of lung cancer, including lobectomy or pneumonectomy.
- Removal of a lung abscess or empyema (severe chest infection).
- Treatment of major chest trauma, such as from a car accident or stab wound.
- Surgery for diseases of the esophagus within the chest.
- Removal of large benign tumors or cysts from the chest.
- Biopsy of lung or chest tissue when less invasive methods are inconclusive.
- Treatment of certain congenital chest defects.
- Control of major bleeding (hemorrhage) within the chest cavity.
- Removal of foreign objects from the chest.
How to prepare
- Complete medical history review and physical examination.
- Pre-operative tests: Chest X-ray, CT scan, ECG, blood tests, and pulmonary function tests.
- Consultation with the surgeon and anesthesiologist to discuss the procedure and anesthesia.
- Smoking cessation is critically important to reduce complication risks.
- Adjustment or temporary stoppage of certain medications (e.g., blood thinners) as advised.
- Fasting (no food or drink) for 8-12 hours before surgery.
- Planning for post-operative care and support at home during recovery.
Risks & possible complications
- Bleeding (hemorrhage) and potential need for blood transfusion.
- Infection at the incision site or within the chest (empyema).
- Persistent air leak from the lung, requiring a longer chest tube stay.
- Pneumonia or respiratory failure.
- Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis) that could travel to the lungs (pulmonary embolism).
- Pain, which is significant but managed with medication.
- Nerve injury leading to numbness or chronic pain (post-thoracotomy pain syndrome).
- Adverse reactions to anesthesia.
- Irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias).
- In rare cases, death, especially in high-risk patients.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial recovery in the hospital's intensive care unit (ICU) or a specialized ward for close monitoring.
- One or more chest tubes remain in place for several days to drain fluid and air.
- Aggressive pain management is essential to enable deep breathing and coughing exercises.
- Early mobilization (sitting up, walking) is encouraged to prevent complications.
- Respiratory therapy with incentive spirometry to keep lungs clear and prevent pneumonia.
- Incision care instructions will be provided upon discharge.
- Gradual return to light activities; heavy lifting and strenuous exercise are restricted for weeks.
- Follow-up appointments are crucial to monitor healing and address any concerns.
- A full recovery of strength and stamina can take several months.
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Typical hospital stay:
7-14 days
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Expected recovery time:
6-12 weeks
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering thoracotomy in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for thoracotomy in India include Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, 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 thoracotomy. 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 thoracotomy compare across other countries where we have data.
Top hospitals for Thoracotomy in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated general surgery teams and experience managing patients undergoing thoracotomy.
Bangalore, India
30 Doctors
I was a total wreck before...
I was a total wreck before my appointment. First time seeing a doctor on my own and I was convinced it was something serious. Dr. Ram just listened, didn't rush me, and explained everything in a way that actually calmed me down. The hospital is huge and a bit overwhelming, but he made it feel okay. Left feeling like I could breathe again.
General surgeons for Thoracotomy
Explore experienced general surgeons who regularly perform thoracotomy and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 20 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Doddaballapur
- 16 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Doddaballapur
- 12 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Dhakuria
- 11 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Doddaballapur
- 11 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Dhakuria
- 21 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Dhakuria
- 16 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Dhakuria
- 10 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Dhakuria
- 16 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Dhakuria
- 38 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospitals Broadway
- 34 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospitals Broadway
- 31 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospitals Broadway
- 30 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospitals Broadway
- 26 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospitals Broadway
- 23 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospitals Broadway
- 20 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospitals Broadway
- 20 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospitals Broadway
- 20 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospitals Broadway
- 14 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospitals Broadway
- 14 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospitals Broadway