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Wedge Resection

medical tourism Wedge Resection

For patients requiring wedge resection surgery, medical tourism provides access to world-class thoracic centers in countries like India, Thailand, Turkey, and Germany at 40-60% lower costs than Western nations (typically 8,000−18,000). Leading JCI-accredited hospitals such as Apollo Hospitals (India), Bumrungrad International (Thailand), and Memorial Healthcare Group (Turkey) specialize in VATS and robotic-assisted wedge resections, performed by surgeons with extensive experience in minimally invasive lung procedures.

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Understanding the Procedure

Wedge resection is a lung-preserving surgical technique that removes:
Small tumors or suspicious nodules
Localized infections or benign growths
Defined sections of damaged lung tissue

Unlike larger resections, this approach maximizes preserved lung function while treating the affected area.

When is This Surgery Recommended?

Common scenarios include:

  • Early-stage lung cancer (peripheral tumors <2cm)
  • Diagnostic biopsy of indeterminate nodules
  • Treatment of localized infections (fungal, TB)
  • Removal of metastatic lesions from other cancers

Surgical Techniques

1. VATS (Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery)

  • 3-4 small incisions (1-2cm each)
  • Camera-guided precision
  • Most common approach

2. Robotic-Assisted

  • Enhanced 3D visualization
  • Improved instrument maneuverability

3. Open Thoracotomy

  • Rarely needed
  • Reserved for complex cases

The Surgical Process

  1. General anesthesia administration
  2. Lung deflation on operative side
  3. Identification and stapling of target area
  4. Specimen removal for pathology
  5. Chest tube placement (1-3 days)

Recovery Expectations

PhaseTimelineKey Considerations
Hospital Stay2-4 daysPain management, tube monitoring
Initial Recovery1-2 weeksLimited lifting, breathing exercises
Full Recovery3-6 weeksGradual return to activities

Advantages Over Larger Resections

  • Preserves up to 95% of lung function
  • Shorter hospital stay
  • Less postoperative pain
  • Lower complication rates

Potential Risks

  • Air leak (most common, usually temporary)
  • Bleeding (rare with modern techniques)
  • Infection (minimized with antibiotics)

Long-Term Outcomes

  • Excellent prognosis for small malignancies
  • Minimal impact on breathing capacity
  • Regular follow-up scans recommended

Alternative Approaches

  • Stereotactic radiation (for high-risk patients)
  • Lobectomy (for larger/more central tumors)

Conclusion

Wedge resection offers a balance between effective treatment and lung preservation, particularly valuable for early-stage lesions and diagnostic needs.