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 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 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.
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