Lung Cancer Treatment / Lobectomy in India

Lung cancer surgery aims to remove the tumor and, in most cases, the entire lobe of the lung containing it, a procedure called a lobectomy. Each lung is made up of lobes, three on the right and two on the left, and removing the affected lobe along with nearby lymph nodes is generally the most effective way to treat early and some locally advanced stage lung cancers.

Choosing the surgical approach

Lobectomy can be performed as open surgery (thoracotomy), through a larger incision between the ribs, or with minimally invasive techniques, video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) or robotic-assisted surgery (RATS), using small incisions and a camera. Minimally invasive approaches are generally associated with less pain, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery, and are suitable for many stage I and II cases; open surgery may still be needed for larger or more complex tumors. Your surgeon will recommend the right approach based on tumor size, location, and spread.

Why lymph node removal matters

Removing and examining nearby lymph nodes during surgery is a critical part of the procedure, since it determines the cancer's stage and whether further treatment, such as chemotherapy, is needed afterward. More thorough lymph node assessment leads to more accurate staging and a better-informed treatment plan.

What comes after surgery

Depending on the final stage confirmed after surgery, an oncologist may recommend chemotherapy, radiation, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy. This is planned individually based on pathology and lymph node findings, and is priced and scheduled separately from the surgery itself.