Dr. Shilpa Gandhi | Leading Consultant Minimally Invasive Thoracic Surgeon In Nagpur
Meet Our Doctor
Dr. Shilpa Gandhi
MBBS, DNB General Surgery DNB Thoracic Surgery
Dr. Shilpa Gandhi is a trusted and experienced healthcare professional known for her compassionate care and expertise. Committed to delivering personalized treatments and improving patient well-being.
What Does A Thoracic Surgeon
What Does a Thoracic Surgeon Do?
A thoracic surgeon specializes in surgeries within the chest cavity, focusing on:
- Lung Conditions: Such as lung cancer, emphysema, and infections.
- Esophageal Issues: Including GERD, esophageal cancer, and swallowing disorders.
- Heart-Related Conditions: Thoracic surgeons may work alongside cardiovascular specialists to handle procedures like coronary bypass or heart valve repair.
- Chest Wall and Diaphragm Problems: Treating deformities, tumors, and trauma.
Common Procedures Performed by Thoracic Surgeons
- Lobectomy and Wedge Resection for lung cancer
- Esophagectomy for esophageal cancer
- Minimally Invasive Surgeries: Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery (VATS) and robotic-assisted procedures for less recovery time and smaller scars
- Thoracotomy for extensive chest surgeries
What Is a Thoracic Surgeon?
Thoracic surgeons perform surgeries to treat a variety of conditions affecting the chest cavity. These include:
- Lung cancer and tumors
- Esophageal cancer and swallowing disorders
- Chest trauma and deformities
- Pleural diseases like mesothelioma or pleural effusion
- Infections such as empyema or severe lung infections
Procedures Performed by Thoracic Surgeons
Thoracic surgeons utilize advanced surgical techniques to address complex conditions, including:
- Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery (VATS): A minimally invasive procedure for faster recovery.
- Robotic Thoracic Surgery: Precise, less invasive surgeries with the help of robotics.
- Lung Resection (Lobectomy): Removal of a lung lobe affected by cancer or disease.
- Esophagectomy: Surgery for esophageal cancer.
- Thoracotomy: Open surgery for major chest issues.
Why Choose a Thoracic Surgeon?
Thoracic surgeons are experts in handling complex surgeries with precision and care. They use state-of-the-art technology and a multidisciplinary approach to ensure the best outcomes. Whether you’re dealing with a life-threatening condition like lung cancer or need treatment for benign chest issues, a thoracic surgeon can offer expert guidance and intervention.
When Should You See a Thoracic Surgeon?
Consult a thoracic surgeon if you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms:
- Persistent chest pain or discomfort
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Chronic cough or coughing up blood
- Trouble swallowing or unexplained weight loss
Common Thoracic Surgical Procedures
Minimally Invasive Procedures
- Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery (VATS): A technique that uses small incisions and a camera to treat lung cancer, infections, and other conditions, resulting in less pain and faster recovery.
- Robotic Thoracic Surgery: Advanced technology that allows for greater precision in surgeries, especially for lung and esophageal cancers.
- Thoracotomy: An open surgery used for complex chest conditions, such as extensive tumors or trauma.
- Lobectomy or Pneumonectomy: Removal of a lung lobe or the entire lung, commonly performed for lung cancer.
- Esophagectomy: Surgical removal of part or all of the esophagus, typically for esophageal cancer.
- Diaphragmatic Hernia Repair: Correcting hernias that affect breathing or chest function.
Benefits of Minimally Invasive Thoracic Surgery
Modern thoracic surgery techniques, such as VATS and robotic-assisted surgery, have revolutionized patient care. Benefits include:
- Reduced Pain and Scarring: Smaller incisions lead to less post-operative discomfort.
- Shorter Recovery Time: Patients can return to daily activities more quickly.
- Lower Risk of Complications: Minimally invasive techniques reduce the chance of infection and other risks.
Conditions That Require a Thoracic Surgeon
A thoracic surgeon can address a variety of critical conditions, including:
- Lung Cancer
- Esophageal Cancer
- Collapsed Lung (Pneumothorax)
- Severe Chest Trauma
- Pleural Effusion or Fluid Around the Lungs
- Chest Wall Tumors