Pulmonology & Thoracic Surgery

Pulmonology covers asthma, COPD, ILD, TB, sleep apnea, and pulmonary hypertension; thoracic surgery treats lung cancers, mediastinal tumors, pneumothorax, and pleural disease using VATS/robotic techniques. India offers faster scheduling, English-speaking teams, and prices far below Western systems—coordinated end-to-end by MediHeal International.

• Persistent respiratory symptoms (dyspnea, chronic cough, wheeze) not controlled with medical therapy requiring specialist evaluation.
• Lung mass/nodule or mediastinal lesion needing staging (EBUS/PET-CT) and potential surgical resection.
• Recurrent pneumothorax or pleural effusions (malignant or infective) requiring pleurodesis/decortication.
• Advanced emphysema with bullae, airway obstruction amenable to therapeutic bronchoscopy/bullectomy.
• Sleep apnea requiring CPAP titration or surgical opinion; pulmonary hypertension/ILD needing multidisciplinary care.
• Candidates for lung transplant at select centers (end-stage lung disease) after exhaustive medical management.

• VATS/robotic thoracic programs with multidisciplinary tumor boards and integrated oncology.
• Costs commonly 50–75% lower than Western systems with transparent packages and shorter waits.
• International desks streamline second opinions, itemized quotes, visas, airport transfers, lodging, and interpreter support.

• Match to centers with interventional pulmonology, VATS/robotic thoracic surgery, and thoracic oncology MDTs.
• Provide itemized quotes covering diagnostics (CT/PET-CT/EBUS), OT/ICU, implants/devices (stents/valves), and adjuvant therapy plans where applicable.
• Coordinate visas, flights, airport pickup, nearby hotels, interpreters, and structured follow-ups/tele-reviews.

• Interventional Pulmonology— Bronchoscopy, EBUS-TBNA staging, airway stents/debulking, medical thoracoscopy/pleuroscopy.
• Thoracic Oncology Surgery— Wedge/segmentectomy/lobectomy (VATS/robotic), pneumonectomy; integrated with chemo/radiation/targeted therapy.
• Thoracic Non-Oncology— Bullectomy, decortication for empyema, sympathectomy for hyperhidrosis, thymectomy for myasthenia gravis.
• Pleural Procedures— Thoracoscopy, pleurodesis, indwelling pleural catheter placement for recurrent effusions.
• Lung Transplant (select centers)— Single/bilateral transplant with strict eligibility, infection control, and long-term immunosuppression.

1. Pre-arrival

   • Share CT chest/PET-CT (if available), PFTs, bronchoscopy/biopsy reports, and medication list for a remote MDT plan.
   • Receive written options (intervention vs surgery), staging workup, LOS, and itemized costs.

2. Admission & Work-up

   • Finalize imaging and labs; EBUS-TBNA/bronchoscopy for diagnosis/staging when indicated.
   • Anesthesia clearance, pulmonary prehab (breathing exercises), and consent.

3. Procedure & Early Recovery

   • VATS/robotic/open surgery or interventional procedure; chest tube management, analgesia, early ambulation, incentive spirometry.
   • Pathology review and adjuvant plan (if oncology).

4. Discharge & Follow-up

   • Criteria-based tube removal; home breathing exercises and wound care.
   • Tele-reviews; oncology/rehab coordination and fit-to-fly documentation.

1. VATS Lobectomy

   Typical hospital stay ~7–9 days; light activity in ~2–4 weeks, guided by surgeon advice.

2. Thoracoscopy/Pleuroscopy

   Often 1–3 days inpatient; faster symptom relief for effusions/pneumothorax.

3. Open Thoracotomy

   Longer stay and recovery than VATS; tailored pain control and rehab needed.

4. Lung Transplant

   Prolonged ICU/ward stay; intensive rehab and lifelong immunosuppression with close follow-up.

• Minimally invasive (VATS/robotic) options may reduce pain, air-leak duration, and length of stay compared with open surgery.
• Integrated interventional, surgical, and oncology pathways enable faster diagnosis-to-treatment.
• Substantial cost savings with coordinated logistics for international travelers.

• Confirm whether PET-CT, EBUS-TBNA, stents/valves, and adjuvant therapy are included; request itemized quotes to avoid surprises.

• India’s medical visa covers pulmonology and thoracic surgery; bring passport, medical records, hospital invitation, return ticket, and proof of funds.
• e-Medical visas allow short stays with multiple entries for eligible nationalities; up to two attendants can obtain linked visas.

• Stop smoking; complete flu/pneumococcal vaccines if advised; practice breathing exercises (incentive spirometry).
• Carry CT/PET-CT on CD, PFTs, prior biopsy/pathology, and medication/allergy lists.
• Plan caregiver lodging near hospital; arrange for recovery aids and follow-up dates before travel.

• Pulmonary rehab with airway clearance, graded walking, and breathing exercises.
• Wound care and chest-tube site monitoring; nutrition optimization and pain control.
• Oncology coordination for adjuvant therapy when indicated; scheduled tele-reviews.