Thoracic Surgery

Thoracic surgery covers lung/mediastinal tumors, pleural disease, pneumothorax, empyema, esophageal disorders, diaphragm conditions, and chest-wall reconstruction. India offers VATS and robotic approaches with faster scheduling and transparent packages—coordinated end-to-end by MediHeal International.

• Confirmed or suspected lung cancer or mediastinal mass requiring resection after staging (CT/PET-CT/EBUS).
• Recurrent pneumothorax or chronic pleural effusions/empyema needing definitive pleural surgery.
• Symptomatic emphysema with bullae, persistent air leaks, or trapped lung requiring surgical management.
• Esophageal cancer/advanced benign esophageal disease requiring esophagectomy or anti-reflux/hiatal repair with thoracic approach.
• Diaphragmatic paralysis/hernia needing plication/repair; chest-wall deformities requiring reconstruction.

• High-volume VATS and robotic thoracic programs with thoracic anesthesia and ICU support.
• Package prices typically far below US/Europe with shorter wait times and English-speaking teams.
• International desks streamline second opinions, itemized quotes, visas, airport transfers, lodging, and interpreters.

• Center matching for VATS vs RATS capability, thoracic oncology MDT access, and esophageal/thymic expertise.
• Itemized quotations covering diagnostics (CT/PET-CT/EBUS), OT/ICU, devices/consumables (staplers, sealants), and contingency clauses.
• End-to-end coordination: visas, flights, airport pickup, nearby hotels, interpreter support, pulmonary rehab, and tele-follow-ups.

• VATS (Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery)— Keyhole thoracoscopy for lobectomy/segmentectomy, pleural procedures, decortication, sympathectomy—often less pain and shorter stay vs open.
• Robotic-Assisted Thoracic Surgery (RATS)— 3D vision and wristed instruments for complex lung, mediastinal, and esophageal work; potential for precise dissection and faster recovery.
• Open Thoracotomy— Required in select cases with large tumors, dense adhesions, or vascular reconstruction needs.
• Pleural/Thoracoscopy— Medical/surgical thoracoscopy, pleurodesis, indwelling catheter placement for recurrent effusions.
• Esophageal & Mediastinal— Minimally invasive esophagectomy, thymectomy, mediastinal mass resections with lymphadenectomy as indicated.

1. Pre-arrival

   • Share CT chest ± PET-CT, bronchoscopy/EBUS reports, PFTs, comorbidity list, and medications for a written surgical plan.
   • Receive approach options (VATS/RATS/open), risks, LOS estimates, and itemized costs.

2. On Arrival & Work-up

   • Confirm staging/fitness (anesthesia clearance, PFTs, cardiac evaluation as needed).
   • Finalize consent, book OT, and prehab with breathing exercises and incentive spirometry.

3. Surgery & Early Recovery

   • Procedure with chest-tube management, multimodal analgesia, DVT prophylaxis, early ambulation, and respiratory therapy.
   • Pathology review; MDT tumor board for adjuvant planning when indicated.

4. Discharge & Continuity

   • Wound checks, tube removal criteria, fit-to-fly documentation, and home exercise plan.
   • Tele-reviews and oncology/rehab scheduling; escalation pathway for concerns.

1. VATS Lobectomy

   Typical discharge ~7 days; light activity in ~2–4 weeks; gradual escalation per surgeon advice.

2. Thoracoscopy/Pleuroscopy

   Often 1–3 inpatient days; rapid return to routine activities.

3. Open Thoracotomy

   Longer hospital stay and recovery; structured pain control and rehab required.

• Minimally invasive approaches (VATS/RATS) often reduce pain, complications, and length of stay versus open thoracotomy.
• Integrated MDT pathways accelerate diagnosis-to-treatment and align adjuvant therapy plans.
• Substantial cost savings for international patients with clear, coordinated logistics.

• Targeted drugs, prolonged ICU, specialized devices, and adjuvant therapies are usually excluded—request itemized quotes and contingency pricing.

• Medical visas typically align with treatment timelines and may allow multiple entries; up to two attendants can qualify for linked visas.
• Plan ~10–14 days in-country for VATS lobectomy pathways (evaluation, surgery, early recovery); longer if neoadjuvant/adjuvant therapy anticipated.

• Provide CT/PET-CT on CD, EBUS/bronchoscopy/pathology reports, PFTs, medication/allergy lists.
• Complete vaccines as advised (e.g., influenza, pneumococcal), practice incentive spirometry, and arrange caregiver lodging near hospital.
• Discuss anticoagulants and diabetic control with your doctors; clarify fit-to-fly criteria in advance.

• Pulmonary rehab with airway clearance, graded walking, breathing exercises, and nutrition support.
• Wound and chest-site care education; symptom red-flags and when to seek help.
• Structured tele-reviews; oncology coordination for adjuvant therapy when indicated.