Tuberculosis Surgery Treatment in Turkey
About Tuberculosis Surgery
Key Highlights
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Definitive treatment for drug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR/XDR-TB) when medications fail.Effectively controls life-threatening complications like massive hemoptysis (lung bleeding).Removes destroyed lung tissue or persistent cavities that harbor bacteria, preventing relapse.Can significantly improve long-term lung function and quality of life post-recovery.Performed by highly specialized pulmonologists or thoracic surgeons in equipped medical centers.
Who is this surgery for?
- Multi-drug resistant (MDR-TB) or extensively drug-resistant (XDR-TB) tuberculosis not responding to chemotherapy.
- Massive or recurrent hemoptysis (bleeding from the lungs or airways) that is life-threatening.
- Destroyed lung or lobe (e.g., "destroyed lung syndrome") with no function.
- Persistent positive sputum cultures despite adequate medical therapy.
- Large, thick-walled cavities that may harbor bacteria and lead to treatment failure.
- Bronchial stenosis (narrowing) or bronchiectasis caused by TB, leading to recurrent infections.
- Empyema (pus in the pleural space) or chronic pleural effusion complicating TB.
How to prepare
- Complete a full course of pre-operative anti-TB medications as prescribed, often for several months.
- Undergo comprehensive diagnostic tests: CT scan of the chest, pulmonary function tests, and sputum cultures.
- Cardiac evaluation (ECG, echocardiogram) and blood tests to assess overall fitness for major surgery.
- Consultation with an anesthesiologist to discuss risks and the anesthesia plan.
- Smoking cessation is mandatory for several weeks before surgery to improve healing.
- Nutritional assessment and supplementation if needed, as TB often leads to weight loss and weakness.
- Discussion with the surgical team about the procedure, risks, and post-operative expectations.
Risks & possible complications
- General surgical risks: Reaction to anesthesia, bleeding, infection at the incision site, or blood clots.
- Pulmonary-specific risks: Prolonged air leak, pneumonia, respiratory failure, or bronchopleural fistula (abnormal connection).
- Risk of TB spread or reactivation in other parts of the body during or after surgery.
- Persistent post-operative pain or discomfort in the chest area.
- Reduced lung capacity and shortness of breath, especially after pneumonectomy.
- Rare but serious risks include heart attack, stroke, or death, particularly in high-risk patients.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial hospital stay in an ICU or high-dependency unit for close monitoring of breathing and vital signs.
- Use of chest tubes to drain fluid and air; these are removed once drainage subsides.
- Aggressive pain management and early mobilization to prevent complications like pneumonia.
- Continuation of a full course of anti-TB drugs for many months post-surgery as directed.
- Respiratory physiotherapy with breathing exercises and incentive spirometry to expand the lungs.
- Gradual increase in physical activity; heavy lifting and strenuous work are restricted for weeks.
- Regular follow-up visits for chest X-rays, wound checks, and monitoring of treatment response.
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Typical hospital stay:
7-14 days
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Expected recovery time:
6-12 weeks for initial recovery; 3-6 months for full functional recovery
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering tuberculosis surgery 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 tuberculosis surgery. 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 tuberculosis surgery compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | USD 2,753 – USD 8,809 | 7-14 days | ~ 6-12 weeks for initial recovery; 3-6 months for full functional recovery | Know More |
| Turkey | USD 20,489 – USD 65,565 | 7-14 days | ~ 6-12 weeks for initial recovery; 3-6 months for full functional recovery | Know More |
Rohan Verma, a 28-year-old software engineer...
Rohan Verma, a 28-year-old software engineer from Bangalore, had always been active and health-conscious. For six months, he battled a persistent cough, night sweats, and unexplained weight loss. Initially dismissed as stress, his condition worsened until he coughed up blood. A chest X-ray and sputum test confirmed pulmonary tuberculosis. Despite completing the intensive phase of multi-drug therapy, a follow-up CT scan revealed a persistent cavity in his upper right lung with a thick wall, a sign of treatment failure and potential drug resistance. His pulmonologist, Dr. Mehta, explained that surgery (a right upper lobectomy) was necessary to remove the diseased, non-functioning lung tissue, which acted as a sanctuary for the bacteria and a source of ongoing infection. Rohan was terrified; surgery felt like a drastic step backward. The procedure was performed via video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). The immediate post-op period in the hospital was painful and challenging, with a chest tube and intense physiotherapy. However, within weeks, his debilitating cough vanished. Six months later, with continued post-surgical medication, his sputum tests were negative. Emotionally, he transitioned from fear and frustration over his body's betrayal to profound relief and a cautious optimism. He learned to pace himself, valuing his health over his previously relentless work schedule.