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VATS Surgery in Gurgaon & Delhi: Benefits, Procedure, Recovery & Expert Care

27 August, 2026

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When a patient is diagnosed with a lung or chest condition that may require surgery, the thought of traditional open chest surgery can be concerning. Fortunately, advances in thoracic surgery have made minimally invasive procedures such as Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery (VATS) possible for many suitable patients.

For people searching for VATS Surgery in Gurgaon or VATS Surgery in Delhi, understanding how the procedure works, when it may be recommended, its potential benefits, recovery process, and how to choose a thoracic surgeon can help in making an informed decision.

Dr. Harsh Vardhan Puri is a Senior Consultant Thoracic and Lung Transplant Surgeon at the Institute of Chest Surgery, Medanta – The Medicity, Gurugram, with expertise in minimally invasive thoracic surgery, including VATS and robotic thoracic procedures.

What Is VATS Surgery?

VATS stands for Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery. It is a minimally invasive technique used by thoracic surgeons to diagnose and treat selected conditions affecting the lungs, pleura, chest wall, mediastinum, and other structures inside the chest.

Instead of making a large incision and spreading the ribs as in conventional open surgery, VATS uses small incisions through which a camera and specialized surgical instruments are introduced.

The surgeon views the inside of the chest on a monitor and performs the required procedure using these instruments. This approach can reduce the surgical trauma associated with a large open incision in appropriately selected patients.

Why Is VATS Surgery Used?

VATS can be used for a variety of diagnostic and therapeutic thoracic procedures. Depending on the patient’s condition, a surgeon may consider VATS for:

  • Lung cancer surgery
  • Lung biopsy
  • Pulmonary nodules
  • Pleural diseases
  • Pneumothorax or collapsed lung
  • Empyema and selected chest infections
  • Pleural effusion evaluation
  • Mediastinal conditions
  • Selected chest wall conditions
  • Certain thoracic tumors
  • VATS decortication in appropriate cases

The exact procedure depends on the diagnosis, imaging findings, overall health, and whether minimally invasive surgery is appropriate for the individual patient.

VATS Surgery in Gurgaon

Gurgaon, officially known as Gurugram, has become an important healthcare destination for patients from Delhi NCR and surrounding regions.

Patients looking for VATS Surgery in Gurgaon may consider factors such as the surgeon’s thoracic surgery training, experience with minimally invasive procedures, hospital infrastructure, intensive care facilities, diagnostic support, and availability of multidisciplinary care.

Dr. Harsh Vardhan Puri performs VATS surgery at Medanta – The Medicity, Gurugram. His practice includes minimally invasive thoracic surgery for selected lung and chest conditions.

The hospital is located at:

Medanta – The Medicity
CH Baktawar Singh Road, Medicity, Islampur Colony, Sector 38, Gurugram, Haryana 122001

VATS Surgery in Delhi

Patients searching for VATS Surgery in Delhi may also consider specialist thoracic surgical care available within the Delhi NCR region.

VATS is performed by specialized thoracic surgeons who are trained to operate inside the chest using a camera and small incisions. The technique may be used for procedures such as lung biopsies, lobectomies, treatment of selected lung lesions, and pneumothorax management.

For patients living in Delhi, travelling to Gurugram for a specialist consultation may be an option when advanced thoracic surgical services are required. The choice of hospital and surgeon should be based on the patient’s condition, surgical requirements, and the availability of appropriate postoperative care.

How Is VATS Surgery Different From Open Chest Surgery?

Traditional open thoracic surgery generally requires a larger incision and may involve spreading the ribs to access the chest.

VATS uses smaller incisions and a camera-assisted approach.

VATS may offer:

  • Smaller surgical incisions
  • Less tissue disruption in appropriate cases
  • Reduced postoperative discomfort compared with some open procedures
  • Smaller scars
  • Earlier mobilization
  • Potentially shorter hospital stay
  • Faster return to routine activities in suitable patients

However, VATS is not automatically better or suitable for every patient. Some complex or advanced procedures may still require conventional open surgery. The surgical approach should be decided after a detailed evaluation by a thoracic surgeon.

How Is VATS Surgery Performed?

Although the exact technique varies according to the procedure, VATS generally involves several steps.

1. Preoperative Evaluation

Before surgery, the thoracic surgeon reviews the patient’s symptoms, medical history, imaging, laboratory investigations, and other relevant reports.

Depending on the condition, tests may include:

  • Chest X-ray
  • CT scan
  • PET-CT
  • Blood tests
  • Pulmonary function tests
  • Biopsy or pathology reports
  • Other investigations required for surgical planning
2. General Anaesthesia

VATS is performed under anaesthesia so that the patient does not experience pain during the procedure.

3. Small Incisions

The surgeon makes small incisions on the chest. A thoracoscope containing a camera is introduced through one of the incisions, while specialized instruments are inserted through other ports.

4. Surgical Procedure

The surgeon views the inside of the chest on a monitor and performs the required operation.

Depending on the diagnosis, this may involve removing a lung nodule, part of the lung, draining an infection, taking a biopsy, removing diseased tissue, or performing another thoracic procedure.

5. Completion and Recovery

After the procedure, the instruments are removed and the incisions are closed. A chest tube may be placed temporarily to help drain air or fluid and allow the lung to expand properly.

What Are the Benefits of VATS Surgery?

One of the major reasons VATS is considered for suitable patients is that it can avoid some of the trauma associated with a large open chest incision.

Potential benefits include:

Smaller Incisions

VATS uses small incisions rather than a large thoracotomy incision.

Less Postoperative Discomfort

Because VATS generally causes less disruption to the chest wall than open surgery, some patients experience less postoperative discomfort.

Smaller Scars

The smaller incisions can result in smaller visible scars.

Earlier Mobilization

Patients may be able to start moving around earlier after surgery depending on their condition and recovery.

Potentially Shorter Hospital Stay

Selected patients may be discharged sooner compared with traditional open surgery, although hospital stay depends on the type of operation and individual recovery.

Faster Return to Routine Activities

Recovery varies from patient to patient, but minimally invasive surgery can allow some patients to return to normal activities sooner.

These potential benefits do not mean VATS is suitable for every case. The surgeon must determine whether the minimally invasive approach is medically appropriate.

Is VATS Surgery Suitable for Lung Cancer?

VATS may be used for selected patients with lung cancer.

Depending on the location, size, stage, and characteristics of the tumor, a thoracic surgeon may consider minimally invasive surgery for procedures such as lung resection.

The treatment plan may also involve pulmonologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, and other specialists.

Therefore, lung cancer surgery should be planned after complete staging and multidisciplinary evaluation.

VATS for Pneumothorax

A pneumothorax occurs when air enters the space between the lung and chest wall, which can cause the lung to partially or completely collapse.

Some patients with recurrent or persistent pneumothorax may require surgical treatment. VATS can be used in selected cases to identify and treat the underlying cause.

The exact procedure depends on the cause of the pneumothorax and the patient’s clinical condition.

VATS Decortication for Empyema

Empyema is a serious condition in which infected fluid or pus collects around the lung.

In selected stages of empyema, VATS may be used to drain infected material, break internal collections, clean the pleural cavity, and help the lung expand.

In more advanced or complex cases, an open surgical approach may be necessary.

The appropriate approach depends on the stage and severity of the disease.

How to Prepare for VATS Surgery

Proper preparation can help make the surgical process smoother.

Your surgeon may advise you to:

  • Complete recommended blood tests and imaging
  • Share your complete medical history
  • Provide details of all medications and allergies
  • Follow fasting instructions before surgery
  • Follow instructions regarding medicines
  • Stop smoking if advised
  • Maintain adequate nutrition
  • Follow preoperative instructions provided by the surgical team
  • Arrange transportation and home support after discharge

Do not stop or change prescribed medication without discussing it with your treating doctor.

What Happens After VATS Surgery?

After surgery, patients are monitored in the hospital while the medical team checks pain control, breathing, chest tube drainage, oxygen levels, and overall recovery.

Depending on the procedure, patients may experience:

  • Mild chest discomfort
  • Tiredness
  • Temporary soreness around the incision
  • Reduced activity levels during the early recovery period

Pain medication may be prescribed, and patients are generally encouraged to gradually increase activity according to their surgeon’s instructions.

Follow-up appointments are important to monitor healing and review pathology or other test results when applicable.

How Long Does Recovery Take After VATS?

Recovery depends on the type of VATS procedure, the patient’s general health, the underlying disease, and whether any complications occur.

Some patients may return to light activities relatively quickly, while more extensive procedures require a longer recovery period.

Your thoracic surgeon will provide personalized instructions regarding:

  • Physical activity
  • Driving
  • Work
  • Exercise
  • Wound care
  • Medication
  • Follow-up appointments

There is no single recovery timeline that applies to every VATS procedure.

Is VATS Surgery Safe?

VATS is an established minimally invasive thoracic surgical technique, but like every surgical procedure, it carries potential risks.

Possible complications can include:

  • Bleeding
  • Infection
  • Air leak
  • Anaesthesia-related complications
  • Blood clots
  • Lung-related complications
  • Need for additional intervention
  • Conversion to open surgery in selected cases

The risks depend on the patient’s medical condition and the complexity of the operation.

A thoracic surgeon should discuss the expected benefits, possible risks, alternatives, and recovery process before surgery.

How to Choose a VATS Surgeon in Gurgaon or Delhi

When searching for VATS Surgery in Gurgaon or VATS Surgery in Delhi, consider more than just online rankings.

Important factors include:

Specialized Thoracic Surgery Training

Look for a surgeon with dedicated training and experience in thoracic surgery.

Experience With Minimally Invasive Procedures

VATS requires specialized skills and familiarity with thoracic anatomy and minimally invasive surgical techniques.

Experience With Your Specific Condition

A surgeon’s experience should be relevant to your diagnosis and the procedure being considered.

Hospital Infrastructure

Complex thoracic surgery may require advanced imaging, intensive care, anaesthesia, pathology, pulmonology, oncology, and other support services.

Personalized Treatment Planning

The surgeon should explain the diagnosis, surgical options, expected recovery, and possible risks clearly.

Why Consider Dr. Harsh Vardhan Puri for VATS Surgery?

Dr. Harsh Vardhan Puri is a Senior Consultant Thoracic and Lung Transplant Surgeon at the Institute of Chest Surgery, Medanta – The Medicity, Gurugram.

His practice includes VATS and robotic thoracic surgery. The clinic’s website states that he has extensive experience in minimally invasive thoracic surgery and performs VATS procedures at Medanta – The Medicity.

His areas of thoracic surgical care include conditions involving the lungs, pleura, mediastinum, chest wall, airway, and other thoracic structures.

For patients from Delhi NCR, Gurugram can provide access to specialized thoracic surgical care while remaining geographically accessible from Delhi.

Frequently Asked Questions About VATS Surgery

1. What is VATS surgery?

VATS, or Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery, is a minimally invasive technique that uses small chest incisions, a camera, and specialized instruments to diagnose or treat selected thoracic conditions.

2. Is VATS better than open surgery?

VATS may offer benefits such as smaller incisions, less postoperative discomfort, smaller scars, and potentially faster recovery in suitable cases. However, open surgery may be necessary for some complex conditions.

3. Who performs VATS surgery?

VATS procedures are generally performed by thoracic surgeons with specialized training in minimally invasive chest surgery.

4. How long does VATS surgery take?

The duration depends on the specific procedure and complexity of the condition. Some procedures may take a few hours, while more complex operations can take longer.

5. How long will I stay in the hospital after VATS?

Hospital stay varies depending on the procedure and individual recovery. Some patients may be discharged after a short stay, while others require longer monitoring.

6. Is VATS surgery painful?

VATS is performed under anaesthesia. Some discomfort around the incision sites can occur after surgery, but pain is generally managed with appropriate medication.

7. Can VATS be used for lung cancer?

Yes, VATS can be considered for selected lung cancer operations depending on the tumor’s location, size, stage, and the patient’s overall condition.

8. Is VATS suitable for everyone?

No. The suitability of VATS depends on the patient’s diagnosis, disease stage, anatomy, previous surgeries, overall health, and the complexity of the planned procedure.

Final Thoughts

VATS Surgery in Gurgaon and VATS Surgery in Delhi provides a minimally invasive option for selected patients requiring thoracic procedures. By using small incisions and camera-assisted surgical techniques, VATS may help reduce surgical trauma and support recovery in appropriately selected cases.

However, the choice between VATS and open surgery should always be based on a detailed evaluation by an experienced thoracic surgeon.

For patients in Delhi NCR seeking specialized thoracic care, Dr. Harsh Vardhan Puri provides VATS and other minimally invasive thoracic surgical services at Medanta – The Medicity, Gurugram.

Dr. Harsh Vardhan Puri
Senior Consultant – Thoracic & Lung Transplant Surgeon
Institute of Chest Surgery, Medanta – The Medicity, Gurugram
Phone: +91 828-500-0787 / +91 982-100-9706
Email: drharshvardhanpuri@gmail.com

Category : Thoracic Surgery , VATS Treatment

Tags: VATS Surgery in Delhi, VATS Surgery in Gurgaon