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Decortication Treatment in Turkey

Learn about Decortication Treatment in Turkey — how it works, who it is for, recovery timelines, and what to expect before and after surgery. Compare hospitals and doctors experienced in Decortication and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.
Hospitals

Partner Hospitals

0 partner in Turkey for this surgery
Doctors

Specialist Doctors

0 Surgeons linked to this surgery
Cost

Treatment Cost

USD 12,293 – USD 36,880

About Decortication

Decortication is a major thoracic surgical procedure performed by a pulmonologist or thoracic surgeon to remove a restrictive, fibrous membrane (pleural peel) that has formed around the lung. This condition, known as fibrothorax or trapped lung, typically results from a severe, chronic pleural infection like empyema or from significant inflammation. The thickened, inelastic rind prevents the lung from fully expanding, leading to persistent shortness of breath, chest pain, and impaired respiratory function. During the procedure, the surgeon carefully strips this restrictive layer from both the lung surface and the inner chest wall, allowing the lung to re-expand and restore normal breathing mechanics. It is a crucial intervention to relieve debilitating symptoms and prevent long-term respiratory disability.

Key Highlights

    Restores lung expansion and improves breathing capacity.Alleviates chronic chest pain and discomfort associated with a trapped lung.Treats the underlying cause of recurrent pleural effusions or infections.Prevents long-term respiratory impairment and disability.Can be performed via minimally invasive (VATS) or traditional open thoracotomy approaches.

Who is this surgery for?

  • Chronic, organized empyema (infected pleural fluid) that fails to resolve with antibiotics or chest tube drainage.
  • Fibrothorax or trapped lung syndrome, where a thick pleural peel restricts lung expansion.
  • Persistent pleural thickening causing significant lung entrapment and respiratory symptoms.
  • Hemothorax (blood in the pleural space) that has organized and is restricting the lung.
  • Complicated parapneumonic effusions that have progressed to the fibrotic stage.

How to prepare

  • Comprehensive pre-operative assessment including pulmonary function tests (PFTs), chest CT scan, and echocardiogram.
  • Optimization of nutritional status and management of any co-existing conditions like diabetes or heart disease.
  • Pre-operative counseling about the procedure, risks, and recovery expectations.
  • Discontinuation of blood-thinning medications (e.g., aspirin, warfarin) as advised by the doctor.
  • Fasting for 8-12 hours before the scheduled surgery.

Risks & possible complications

  • Bleeding (hemorrhage) during or after the procedure.
  • Infection at the surgical site or within the chest (empyema recurrence).
  • Air leak (prolonged pneumothorax) from the lung surface.
  • Injury to surrounding structures like the diaphragm, heart, or major blood vessels.
  • Post-operative pain, which can be significant, especially after open thoracotomy.
  • Respiratory failure or pneumonia.
  • Rare risks include blood clots (deep vein thrombosis) and adverse reactions to anesthesia.

Recovery & hospital stay

  • Initial recovery in the hospital with chest tubes to drain fluid and air, typically for several days.
  • Aggressive pain management to facilitate deep breathing and coughing exercises.
  • Early mobilization and respiratory physiotherapy to prevent complications and promote lung re-expansion.
  • Discharge with instructions on wound care, activity restrictions (no heavy lifting), and pain medication.
  • Follow-up appointments to monitor lung function and healing via chest X-rays.
  • Gradual return to normal activities over several weeks, with full recovery of strength taking months.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 5-10 days
  • checked Expected recovery time: 6-12 weeks

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are considering decortication in Turkey, 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 decortication compare across other countries where we have data.

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
India USD 1,652 – USD 4,955 5-10 days ~ 6-12 weeks Know More
Turkey USD 12,293 – USD 36,880 5-10 days ~ 6-12 weeks Know More
PATIENT REVIEW

David Gupta, a 58-year-old retired school...

David Gupta, a 58-year-old retired school principal and avid gardener, had always been healthy until a severe case of bacterial pneumonia six months ago left him with a persistent, debilitating cough and crushing fatigue. Despite multiple rounds of antibiotics, his breathing never fully recovered. A follow-up CT scan revealed a thick, restrictive 'rind' of fibrous tissue encasing his left lung, a complication known as fibrothorax. His pulmonologist, Dr. Sharma, explained that this pleural peel was acting like a straitjacket, preventing his lung from expanding. David was terrified of the major surgery, called a decortication, but the prospect of living as a breathless spectator to his own life was worse. The video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) procedure was grueling; surgeons meticulously peeled the fibrous layer off his lung. The first days of recovery in the ICU were painful, but with aggressive physiotherapy, he took his first deep, unrestricted breath in months. Within six weeks, his cough was gone, and he could walk around his garden without stopping. The emotional relief was profound; he moved from feeling trapped and frail in his own body to reclaiming his vitality and independence.