Pneumonectomy Treatment in Turkey
About Pneumonectomy
Key Highlights
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Curative intent for localized lung cancer confined to one lung.Can treat severe, unilateral lung infections or trauma unresponsive to other therapies.May be necessary for certain congenital lung abnormalities.Removes a primary source of disease, potentially halting its progression.Performed by highly specialized pulmonologists and thoracic surgeons.
Who is this surgery for?
- Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) confined to one lung.
- Central tumors involving the main bronchus or pulmonary artery.
- Severe, destructive lung infections like tuberculosis or fungal disease affecting one entire lung.
- Significant traumatic injury to one lung that cannot be repaired.
- Certain benign tumors or congenital lung lesions occupying an entire lung.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive pre-operative testing including pulmonary function tests (PFTs), cardiac evaluation, and imaging (CT/PET scans).
- Smoking cessation is mandatory for several weeks prior to surgery.
- Optimization of any chronic conditions like diabetes or heart disease.
- Pre-operative counseling with the surgical and anesthesia teams.
- Fasting for 8-12 hours before the procedure as instructed.
Risks & possible complications
- Bleeding (hemorrhage) during or after surgery.
- Infection, including pneumonia in the remaining lung or surgical site infection.
- Persistent air leak or bronchopleural fistula (a leak from the bronchial stump).
- Post-pneumonectomy syndrome (shift of mediastinal structures).
- Cardiac complications such as arrhythmias or heart failure.
- Respiratory failure and prolonged need for ventilator support.
- Chronic pain and reduced exercise tolerance.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial recovery in the ICU for 1-2 days for close monitoring of breathing and heart function.
- Aggressive pain management and early mobilization to prevent complications.
- Deep breathing exercises and incentive spirometry are crucial to expand the remaining lung.
- Drainage tubes are typically not used, but the chest cavity is monitored.
- Gradual increase in activity over several weeks; pulmonary rehabilitation is often recommended.
- Lifelong adaptations are necessary, including avoiding heavy lifting and high-altitude travel initially.
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Typical hospital stay:
7-14 days
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Expected recovery time:
6-12 weeks for basic activities; 6-12 months for full adaptation
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering pneumonectomy in Turkey, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Top-rated hospitals in Turkey with pulmonology departments and experienced surgeons are ideal for this procedure. Use MediFyr to compare facilities, reviews, and doctor profiles before you decide.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform pneumonectomy. 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 pneumonectomy compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | USD 3,854 – USD 8,809 | 7-14 days | ~ 6-12 weeks for basic activities; 6-12 months for full adaptation | Know More |
| Turkey | USD 28,685 – USD 65,565 | 7-14 days | ~ 6-12 weeks for basic activities; 6-12 months for full adaptation | Know More |
Krishna Bhatia, a 58-year-old retired school...
Krishna Bhatia, a 58-year-old retired school principal and lifelong non-smoker, had a persistent cough and unexplained weight loss. A CT scan revealed a large, centrally located tumor in his right lung, diagnosed as squamous cell carcinoma. It was too large for a lobectomy. His pulmonologist, Dr. Mehta, recommended a right pneumonectomy as the only curative option, explaining the risks and the significant adjustment his body would need to make. Krishna was terrified, fearing he wouldn't be able to breathe or enjoy his morning walks with his wife. The surgery was long but successful. His recovery in the hospital was difficult, marked by pain and breathlessness with any movement. At home, dedicated pulmonary rehabilitation became his new routine. Six months later, while his stamina is reduced, he can walk slowly around his garden and has resumed light activities. The emotional journey was profound; pre-surgery, he grappled with mortality and loss of independence. Post-surgery, he feels a deep gratitude for each breath and has refocused his life on family and quiet moments, viewing the surgery not as a loss but as a fierce battle for more time.