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BAJAJ FINSERV HEALTH LIMITED
Decortication
Find the best hospitals for Decortication on the Bajaj Finserv Health platform.
Minimum Cost
₹1,05,000
Average Cost
₹2,00,500
Maximum Cost
₹4,00,000
- decortication cost in India depends on factors like the city, hospital and doctor.
- You can convert your decortication cost into easy, no-cost EMIs with Bajaj Finserv Health.
Quick links
- What is Decortication Surgery?
- Types of Decortication Procedure
- When is Decortication Operation Required?
- How to Prepare for Decortication Surgery?
- What happens before decortication surgery?
- What happens during decortication operation?
- Methods/Techniques used for performing decortication procedure
- Post Procedure details
- Risks and complications associated with decortication surgery
- Why Bajaj Health?
What is Decortication Surgery?
Decortication surgery is a medical procedure used to remove the fibrous layer coating the lungs, known as the pleura, when it becomes thickened and restricts breathing. This thickening can occur due to various medical conditions such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, or lung cancer. This surgical procedure helps to improve lung function and ease breathing difficulties. The aim of decortication surgery is to allow the lung to expand fully and function normally. A cut is made in the chest to access the lungs, and then using special surgical tools to remove the thickened pleura. The patient is given general anesthesia during the procedure, which usually lasts for two to three hours.
Types of Decortication Procedure
Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS)
VATS is a minimally invasive surgical procedure where small incisions are made in the chest wall. A thoracoscope, a thin tube equipped with a light and a small video camera, is inserted through one of the incisions to give the surgeon a clear view of the chest cavity. Special surgical instruments are then inserted through the other incisions to perform the decortication. This method results in less post-operative pain and a quicker recovery compared to open surgery.
Open Thoracotomy
Open thoracotomy is a traditional surgical approach where a larger incision is made between the ribs to gain access to the chest cavity. This method is usually used when the pleural thickening is extensive and cannot be effectively treated using less invasive methods. Open thoracotomy allows the surgeon to have a direct view and access to the chest cavity, which can make the procedure more effective in certain cases. However, this method typically involves a longer recovery period and more post-operative pain than VATS.
Robotic-Assisted Thoracic Surgery (RATS)
RATS is a newer, advanced form of minimally invasive surgery where the surgeon uses a specially designed computer console to control robotic arms that perform the surgery. This method allows for greater precision and control, and the ability to perform complex procedures through smaller incisions. RATS can offer benefits such as less pain, less blood loss, and a quicker recovery compared to open surgery. However, all patients are not eligible for RATS, and the availability of the procedure may be limited in some areas.
When is Decortication Operation Required?
Decortication surgery is a medical procedure typically required when there is a presence of a thick, inelastic pleural peel. This peel usually forms around the lungs due to various conditions such as infections, traumas, or diseases like pneumonia.
The peel or rind restricts the lungs from expanding and contracting normally, causing difficulty in breathing and chest pain. This condition is known as pleural empyema, and it is one of the primary reasons one might need decortication surgery.
Another condition that may necessitate decortication is Mesothelioma. This is a rare type of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, heart, or abdomen. Decortication can help alleviate the symptoms and improve the quality of life for patients with this illness.
Furthermore, decortication surgery is also required for patients diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The operation helps them breathe better by removing excess fluid and allowing the lungs to expand fully.
How to Prepare for Decortication Surgery?
The patient should have a complete medical evaluation before the surgery. This includes blood tests, lung function tests, and a chest X-ray or CT scan. These tests help the surgeon understand the patient's overall health and disease severity.
Smoking cessation is crucial before surgery. Smoking can hamper healing and may cause complications. Therefore, it's advised that patients quit smoking at least a few weeks before the operation.
Patients should also avoid consuming food and drink for at least eight hours before surgery. This is because anesthesia, which will be used during the operation, can cause nausea and vomiting if the stomach is not empty.
It's essential to discuss all medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements, with the healthcare provider. Certain medications may need to be stopped or adjusted before the surgery.
Patients should arrange for assistance post-surgery. They will need someone to drive them home after the operation and help with daily activities for a few days or weeks as they recover.
Lastly, it's important to have a discussion with the doctor about the potential risks and benefits of the surgery. This will help patients to have realistic expectations about the outcome of the procedure.
What happens before decortication surgery?
Before the decortication surgery, the patient will undergo a series of diagnostic tests, like blood tests and imaging scans, to understand the disease severity and assess the patient's overall health status. These tests help the surgeon plan the surgery and anticipate any potential complications.
The patient meets the surgeon to discuss the surgical procedure, potential risks, and expected outcomes. During this consultation, the patient can ask questions and express any concerns they may have about the surgery.
Patients are generally hospitalized the day before the surgery. They are instructed to fast for at least eight hours before the procedure to prevent any complications during anesthesia. The patient's chest may also be marked to guide the surgical incisions.
Before the procedure, the patient will meet the anesthesiologist to discuss the anesthesia type to be used. The anesthesiologist will also explain what the patient can expect during and after the surgery in terms of pain management and recovery.
Lastly, the patient will sign a consent form, acknowledging that they know and accept the risks involved and agree to proceed with the surgery.
What happens during decortication operation?
During the decortication operation, the patient is placed under general anesthesia. The surgeon makes an incision in the patient's chest to access the affected lung. If the patient has a pleural effusion, a condition where fluid builds up in the space between the lung and the chest wall, this fluid is drained before the decortication begins.
The surgeon then removes the thickened pleural lining, known as the "rind," from the surface of the lung. This process, known as "decortication," allows the lung to expand fully and improves the patient's breathing.
After the decortication, the surgeon will close the chest incision with sutures and may place a temporary chest tube to drain any remaining fluid or air and to help the lung re-expand.
The surgery duration can vary depending on the extent of the disease and the patient's overall health. Generally, the operation lasts for two to three hours.
During the surgery, the patient's vital signs are closely monitored. The surgical team is prepared to respond to any potential complications that may arise.
Methods/Techniques used for performing decortication procedure
Decortication surgery, also known as pleurectomy, involves the removal of the outer layer of a diseased lung to enable improved lung expansion. The procedure is done under general anesthesia.The surgeon uses a thoracotomy incision, made in the side of the chest, to access the lung. The incision is about 8 to 10 inches long, depending on the specific circumstances and the surgeon's preference.
The diseased outer layer of the lung, or pleura, is then carefully stripped away. This process must be done with great care to avoid damaging the lung tissue underneath. The surgeon uses a combination of sharp and blunt dissection techniques to achieve this.
In some cases, a video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) technique may be used instead of the traditional open procedure. In this minimally invasive approach, a small camera and special surgical instruments are used by inserting them through small incisions in the chest.
Post Procedure details
After the procedure, the patient is usually required to stay in the hospital for several days for monitoring. Pain management is crucial for post-operative care, as the procedure can cause significant discomfort.
Physical therapy is often recommended to help improve lung function and promote recovery. This may include exercises to strengthen the respiratory muscles, and techniques to improve breathing and clear mucus from the lungs.
The patient will also need regular follow-ups to monitor their recovery and check for any potential complications. This will typically involve physical examinations and imaging tests.
Risks and complications associated with decortication surgery
As with any surgical procedure, decortication surgery carries certain risks. These may include infection, bleeding, and reactions to anesthesia.Serious complications can include lung failure, heart problems, and pneumonia. There is also a risk of injury to surrounding organs and tissues, such as the heart and blood vessels.
Other potential complications include air leaks from the lung, fluid buildup in the chest, and blood clots. In some cases, further surgery may be required to treat these complications.
Long-term complications can include chronic pain and reduced lung function. However, for many people with serious lung conditions, the benefits of decortication surgery can outweigh the risks.
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DisclaimerThe cost of decortication depends on the following factors: the city, the hospital that is selected, the complexity of the procedure and the room chosen by the patient. The price range mentioned here is an approximation of the surgery cost; Bajaj Finserv Health does not claim that these prices are an exact estimate. For exact information about surgery charges, it is best inquire at the selected hospital.