4 Thoracotomy Doctors available in India

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Thoracotomy?

Thoracotomy is the surgical procedure performed to open the chest cavity of an individual. The surgery can be performed either on the chest or on the back and is most often recommended for the removal of a part or whole of the lung of an individual. Thoracotomy is not only for the treatment of lungs, but it can also be done to treat other organs like heart, diaphragm and other structures of the chest.

What are the advantages of Thoracotomy?

The following are the advantages of Thoracotomy:

1. Treatment for lung cancer
2. Access for the tissues or organs within the chest cavity

What are the indications of Thoracotomy?

Thoracotomy is indicated in the following conditions:

1. Treatment for lung cancer
2. Complete or partial removal of lungs
3. Treatment for pleural (chest cavity) infections
4. Blunt injury and trauma
5. Pleural effusion (fluid accumulation)

What are the steps involved in Thoracotomy?

The steps involved in Thoracotomy are as follows:

1. The patient will be sedated with the general anesthetic and is directed to lie down on the examination/surgery table in a lateral sided position.
2. The site of the surgery will be sterilized, and the nearby area will be covered with surgical drapes
3. With the help of a series of instruments, the layers of skin and the tissue will be cut, keeping the blood loss to a minimum.
4. The rib cage will be opened with the help of bone cutters in a way that the internal organs are not damaged.
5. Once the access to the chest cavity is established, the surgeon will perform the necessary actions based on the initial diagnosis and closes the chest cavity with internal staples, sutures and sterile bandages.
6. The surgeon may place a transparent tube from the chest cavity to drain out excess fluid from the cavity until the incisions heal.

 
Who can perform Thoracotomy [Right specialist type for Thoracotomy]?

Thoracotomy can be performed by: 

1. Cardiothoracic Surgeon
2. Pulmonologist
3. Thoracic Surgeon

What is the cost of Thoracotomy?

Cost of Thoracotomy depends on factors such as:

1. Admission fee
2. Surgeon fee
3. Age of the patient
4. The medical condition of the patient
5. Post-surgical complications that are involved
6. Type of Hospital
7. The admission room that you opted for
8. Any other lab tests or examination tests such as X-ray, ECG, etc            

Minimum cost for Thoracotomy in India starts from Rs.2,37,500

Average expenses for Thoracotomy in India is approximately Rs.7,00,000

Maximum amount to be paid for Thoracotomy in India rises up to Rs.11,00,000

Is Thoracotomy a major surgery or minor surgery?

Thoracotomy is major surgery as it involves the use of general anesthesia, incisions on either chest or rib cage and partial or complete removal of lungs, etc.

What are the risks and complications associated with Thoracotomy?

Few of the risks and complications of thoracotomy are:

1. Infection
2. Bleeding
3. Leakage of air from the lungs
4. Fluid accumulation within the chest cavity
5. Formation of blood clots or blocked blood vessels

How long does it take to complete Thoracotomy?

Thoracotomy may take up to 2-6 hours to complete.

What is the recovery time?

Individuals who undergo Thoracotomy may take 2-6 months to recover completely.

What is the success rate of Thoracotomy?

The success rate of Thoracotomy depends on the following factors: 

1. Age of the patient
2. The medical condition of the patient
3. Type of surgery performed

However, the success rate of Thoracotomy maybe 70-90%.

What are the long-term results of Thoracotomy?

1. Improves breathing ability
2. Treats chronic lung disease
3. Cure or reduce the recurrence of lung cancer

What are the options if Thoracotomy fails?

If Thoracotomy fails, then the doctor may recommend revision surgery.

What are the alternatives for Thoracotomy?

The following are the alternatives for Thoracotomy:

1. Lobectomy
2. Mediastinoscopy
3. Needle Lung Biopsy (Aspiration or Trephining)
4. Bronchial Brush Biopsy