Lung Surgery

Lung surgery is a functional treatment for cancer, infections, and lung collapse. It is necessary when non-surgical methods do not yield results. By addressing the root cause of pulmonary distress, these surgeries enhance breathing and long-term health. Gleneagles Hospitals offers streamlined, expert care when it comes to lung surgery. With a focus on precision and patient recovery, their specialists utilise advanced technology to ensure the best possible results for every surgical candidate in the city.

Lung surgery is a procedure to remove diseased or damaged lung tissue. Depending on the patient's specific diagnosis, a surgeon may remove a small portion, an entire lobe, or occasionally the whole lung to restore health.

The primary goals of lung surgery are to:

• Remove cancerous or infected tissue

• Improve lung function

• Prevent disease progression

• Relieve symptoms such as breathlessness, pain, or recurrent infections.

Most lung surgeries today use minor cuts instead of big ones. These modern ways are easier on your body, cause less pain, and help you get healthy again much faster.

Lung surgery depends on how much of the lung is removed and how the doctor performs the surgery.

Lobectomy:

A lobectomy removes a single lobe. It is recognised as the gold standard for early-stage malignancy confined to a specific anatomical region of the lung.

Segmentectomy or Wedge Resection:

These procedures remove smaller portions of the lung. They are utilised when the disease is limited or when maintaining maximum respiratory function is a strategic priority.

Pneumonectomy:

This involves the total removal of the lung. It is a necessary intervention for extensive disease that cannot be mitigated through conservative segmental or lobar resections.

Minimally Invasive Lung Surgery:

VATS and robotic methods are evaluated as superior for patient recovery. 

By using smaller incisions, these techniques result in lower complication rates and a faster clinical turnaround, making them the preferred choice in modern thoracic centres for the most suitable candidates.

Not every patient with a lung condition is suitable for lung surgery. Careful evaluation is essential to ensure safety and successful outcomes.

Suitable Candidates Include:

• Patients diagnosed with early-stage lung cancer

• Individuals with recurrent lung infections or abscesses

• Patients with lung nodules requiring diagnosis

• People with lung damage due to trauma or congenital abnormalities

• Patients with adequate lung reserve and good overall health

Candidates Who Are Not Suitable for Lung Surgery Include:

• Patients with severely reduced lung function

• Individuals with uncontrolled heart disease or advanced respiratory failure

• Patients with widespread metastatic cancer

• People who are unable to tolerate anaesthesia

• Individuals with poor overall physical or psychological health

Each case is evaluated individually to determine the safest treatment plan.

A large team of doctors, including radiologists and oncologists, collaborates on your lung surgery. The first step is a consultation in which the surgeon decides whether surgery will help your specific condition.

The check-up involves:

• Reviewing family and medical history

• A full physical check

• Scans like CT or PET

• Testing how well you breathe

• Checking your blood and heart

Understanding the mental side of recovery is also essential. To get your body ready for the operating room, you should:

• Quit smoking for several weeks

• Change medications only as told

• Get existing infections treated

• Eat healthy and stop drinking alcohol

General anaesthesia is used to keep you unconscious on the day of surgery. The surgeon either performs an open chest surgery or uses smaller, minimally invasive tools like robots or cameras.

The diseased tissue is resected, and all vital vessels and airways are sealed to prevent complications. In malignancy cases, lymph node dissection is performed. Once the surgical site is checked for leaks, chest tubes are immediately placed to manage drainage. The incisions are then closed, and the patient is moved to recovery. This rigorous protocol is designed to eliminate disease while strictly maintaining the patient’s physiological stability throughout.

Surgery is followed by intensive ICU monitoring. Your hospital stay will last up to two weeks to ensure a safe recovery.

Postoperative care includes:

• Effective pain medications

• Constant breathing and oxygen checks

• Recovery tracking through X-rays

• Physiotherapy to strengthen your lungs

You might feel tired or out of breath at first, but you will feel better soon. Pulmonary rehab is a great way to regain your strength. You can slowly start doing your everyday things, but getting fully well takes a few months.

Scheduled follow-up appointments are a core component of the care plan. They provide the necessary oversight to monitor lung function and identify risks early, ensuring high-quality long-term patient results.

Understanding the risks is crucial. Most commonly, patients experience reduced lung function, especially when a significant portion of the lung must be removed.

Potential complications include:

• Infection

• Bleeding

• Air leakage from the lung

• Blood clots

• Pneumonia

• Irregular heart rhythms

• Respiratory failure

In rare cases, severe complications may lead to prolonged hospitalisation or death. Early detection and expert postoperative care significantly reduce these risks. Anaesthesia and pain medications may also cause side effects such as nausea, fatigue, or dizziness.

Gleneagles Hospitals is a leading place for lung surgery in India. We have an expert medical team here that puts your needs first & ensures you receive the best care.

Multidisciplinary Approach:

The hospital follows a multidisciplinary approach involving thoracic surgeons, pulmonologists, oncologists, radiologists, anaesthetists, and rehabilitation experts. This ensures personalised treatment planning and holistic care.

Proven Expertise and Success:

Gleneagles Hospitals has a strong track record in managing complex lung conditions and performing advanced thoracic surgeries. The experienced surgical team focuses on safety, precision, and optimal recovery.

Advanced Technology and Infrastructure:

Our hospital uses the latest machines and modern rooms to help you heal. These high-tech tools make surgery easier on your body and help you recover much faster.

Comprehensive Rehabilitation and Follow-Up:

Recovery is supported by structured therapy and long-term check-ups. These programs are designed to help patients regain their strength, improve their breathing, and return to their daily lives quickly.

Conclusion:

Lung surgery treats diseases that medication cannot, significantly improving breathing and survival. Successful outcomes rely on precise planning and the use of modern techniques. Gleneagles Hospitals provides the necessary expert teams and rehabilitation services, making it a functional and safe choice for thoracic surgery.