Thoracic Surgery in Delhi

Thoracic surgery is the branch of surgery that treats conditions of the lungs, chest wall, and other structures inside the chest cavity. It is closely linked to cardiovascular and thoracic surgery (CTVS), a combined speciality that treats the heart, blood vessels, and chest together, because problems in one system often affect the other.

From persistent lung infections to nodules found on a chest X-ray, chest surgery today is rarely the large, open operation people imagine. Most lung surgery in Delhi is now performed through keyhole, camera-guided techniques that reduce pain, scarring, and recovery time considerably.

Dr. Dinesh Kumar Mittal, Director and Head of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery at Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh, Delhi, brings over 25 years of experience in cardiovascular and thoracic surgery, with an MCh in Cardiothoracic Surgery from AIIMS, New Delhi, and a Fellowship in Endovascular Stenting from Milan, Italy.

What Is Thoracic Surgery?

Thoracic surgery is surgery performed on organs and structures within the chest, primarily the lungs, chest wall, and the lining around the lungs, excluding the heart itself. It sits alongside cardiac surgery under the broader umbrella of cardiovascular and thoracic surgery, since a single surgeon trained in CTVS is equipped to manage both.

Thoracic surgery is used both to diagnose unclear chest findings, such as a lung nodule of uncertain origin, and to treat confirmed disease, ranging from infection to early-stage lung cancer.

What Conditions Does Thoracic Surgery Treat?

Thoracic surgery treats a wide range of lung and chest conditions that do not resolve with medication alone. Common indications for chest surgery include:

• Lung nodules and early-stage lung cancer
• Pneumothorax (collapsed lung) and recurrent pleural effusion
• Empyema and chronic chest infections
• Mediastinal tumours and cysts
• Chest wall deformities and chest trauma
• Persistent lung abscess or bronchiectasis not responding to medical treatment

Many of these conditions are now managed through Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS), a form of minimally invasive lung surgery that avoids the large incisions of traditional open chest surgery.

When Should You See a CTVS Surgeon in Delhi?

A thoracic surgery consultation is recommended when chest symptoms persist or when imaging shows an abnormality that needs specialist review. Warning signs include:

• A cough lasting more than three weeks, especially with blood-streaked sputum
• Unexplained chest pain or a feeling of pressure in the chest
• Breathlessness that is worsening or present at rest
• A lung nodule or shadow found on a chest X-ray or CT scan
• Recurrent chest infections that keep coming back despite treatment

Any abnormal chest imaging finding, or symptoms persisting beyond two to three weeks, should be reviewed by a specialist promptly rather than monitored indefinitely.

How Is Thoracic and Lung Surgery Performed?

Most lung surgery in Delhi today is performed using VATS, where small cameras and instruments are inserted through tiny chest incisions instead of a full open-chest approach. The typical process involves:

• Pre-operative work-up: CT scan, PET-CT if malignancy is suspected, pulmonary function tests, and fitness assessment
• Anaesthesia: General anaesthesia with single-lung ventilation to give the surgeon a clear working space
• Access: Two to four small incisions (1-4 cm) in the chest wall for the camera and instruments
• Surgical treatment: Removal of the affected lung tissue, tumour, or cyst, or drainage of infection or fluid as needed
• Chest drain placement: A temporary tube to drain air or fluid and help the lung re-expand
• Closure and recovery: Incisions are closed, and the patient is monitored in a dedicated recovery unit

Open chest surgery (thoracotomy) is reserved for larger tumours, extensive disease, or cases where a minimally invasive approach is not technically safe.

How Does Thoracic Surgery Connect to Cardiovascular Care?

Chest symptoms are not always confined to the lungs, which is why cardiovascular and thoracic surgery is offered as a combined speciality. Patients being evaluated for lung surgery are also screened for underlying heart and vessel disease, since risk factors such as smoking, hypertension, and long-standing diabetes affect both systems together.

Dr. Mittal’s cardiovascular practice includes:

• Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) for blocked coronary arteries
• Coronary angioplasty and stenting for narrowed arteries
• Heart valve repair for valve disease
• Aortic aneurysm surgery for weakened vessel walls
• Minimally invasive cardiac surgery for suitable candidates
• Peripheral artery disease treatment for blocked leg arteries

What Is Recovery Like After Chest Surgery in Delhi?

Recovery after thoracic surgery depends on whether the procedure was minimally invasive or open, but most VATS patients are discharged within 3-5 days. General recovery milestones include:

• VATS/minimally invasive lung surgery: Hospital stay of 3-5 days; light activity resumes in 2-3 weeks
• Open thoracic surgery (thoracotomy): Hospital stay of 6-8 days; full recovery over 6-8 weeks
• Combined cardiovascular and thoracic cases: Recovery timelines are planned individually, based on which procedures are performed

Breathing exercises, chest physiotherapy, and early mobilisation are encouraged after chest surgery to help the lungs re-expand fully and reduce the risk of infection.

What Are the Risks of Thoracic Surgery?

As with any chest procedure, thoracic surgery carries risks that are discussed in detail before treatment, including air leaks, bleeding, wound or chest infection, and irregular heart rhythm.

Risk is significantly reduced with careful pre-operative assessment, experienced surgical teams, and modern minimally invasive lung surgery techniques, which is why a thorough work-up is completed before any chest surgery is recommended.

Thoracic Surgery Cost in Delhi

Cardiothoracic surgery cost in Delhi typically ranges from ₹1,50,000 to ₹5,00,000, depending on whether the approach is VATS or open chest surgery. Indicative ranges include:

The final cost depends on disease complexity, hospital room category, ICU requirement, and whether robotic assistance is used.

Most Delhi hospitals, including Fortis Shalimar Bagh, offer cashless treatment for eligible insurance policyholders. Patients are advised to confirm coverage and get a personalised written estimate at consultation.

Why Choose Dr. Dinesh Kumar Mittal for Thoracic Surgery in Delhi?

Patients across Delhi NCR choose Dr. Mittal because his practice spans the full breadth of cardiovascular and thoracic surgery rather than a single procedure. His credentials include:

• 25+ years of cardiothoracic and vascular surgical experience
• MCh in Cardiothoracic Surgery from AIIMS, New Delhi
• Fellowship in Endovascular Stenting, Milan, Italy
• 10,000+ cardiac and vascular surgeries performed
• Access to advanced hybrid operating theatres and chest surgery infrastructure at Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh
• A combined evaluation approach that checks both lung and heart risk factors together

Book a Consultation for Cardiothoracic Surgery in Delhi

Persistent chest symptoms or an abnormal scan finding deserve the opinion of the best CTVS surgeon rather than a wait-and-watch approach.

During your consultation, Dr. Dinesh Kumar Mittal will

• Review your imaging and history,
• Confirm whether the issue needs lung surgery, cardiovascular treatment, or both
• Outline a clear, personalised treatment plan with transparent cost expectations.

Book your consultation today.