Thoracoscopy / VATS in West Bengal

Minimally invasive camera surgery of the chest cavity to biopsy, remove tumours, or treat pleural disease.

What is Thoracoscopy / VATS?

Minimally invasive camera surgery of the chest cavity to biopsy, remove tumours, or treat pleural disease.

Duration

1–3 hours

Recovery

2–4 weeks

Cost in West Bengal

₹1,00,000 – ₹4,00,000

Anesthesia

General

Success Rate

90%

Care Type

Inpatient

Why Thoracoscopy / VATS Is Needed

Performed to diagnose or treat conditions within the chest cavity, including unexplained pleural effusion, suspected lung or pleural tumors requiring biopsy, recurrent pneumothorax (collapsed lung), and certain infections or inflammatory diseases affecting the lung lining. It allows both diagnosis and, often, treatment in the same minimally invasive procedure.

Signs You May Need Thoracoscopy / VATS

Patients are typically referred after persistent chest pain, unexplained shortness of breath, a lung mass or abnormal fluid found on chest imaging, or recurrent collapsed lung episodes. Chronic unexplained cough or weight loss alongside abnormal chest X-ray or CT findings may also prompt this procedure for tissue diagnosis.

Types of Thoracoscopy / VATS

VATS (video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery) can range from a simple diagnostic procedure with a single camera port to more extensive therapeutic surgery involving lung biopsy, wedge resection, or even lobectomy (removing part of a lung) using multiple small incisions. Robotic-assisted thoracoscopic surgery is a newer variant offering enhanced precision for complex cases.

Hospitals offering Thoracoscopy / VATS (0)

No hospitals listed yet for this procedure in West Bengal — check back soon or browse all hospitals.

Specialists offering Thoracoscopy / VATS (0)

No specialists listed yet for this procedure in West Bengal.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is thoracoscopy a major surgery?

It is considered minimally invasive compared to open chest surgery (thoracotomy), using small incisions and a camera, though it is still performed under general anesthesia and requires proper recovery time.

How long is the hospital stay after VATS?

Most patients stay in hospital for a few days depending on the extent of the procedure, with a chest tube typically in place during that time to drain air or fluid.

How long is the recovery after thoracoscopy?

Most patients return to normal activities within 2-4 weeks, though this depends on what specific procedure was performed during the thoracoscopy.

Is thoracoscopy painful?

Because incisions are small, pain is generally less than with open chest surgery, though some discomfort at the incision sites and while breathing deeply is normal during initial recovery.

What are the risks of thoracoscopic surgery?

Risks include bleeding, infection, air leak, or the rare need to convert to open surgery if complications arise; your thoracic surgeon will discuss these based on your specific condition.

Learn more about Thoracoscopy / VATS (preparation, recovery, FAQs)

Thoracoscopy Vats in other cities of West Bengal

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