Minimally Invasive Thoracic Surgery in Chennai
Expert keyhole chest surgery by Dr. B. Thanga Saravanan — FACS Fellow, Award-Winning Cardiothoracic Surgeon, and Chennai’s leading specialist in VATS, NUSS Procedure (Pectus Excavatum), and Rib Fracture Fixation. Available at St Thomas Heart Centre and Kesar Specialist Centre, Chennai.
⭐ Chennai's Most Comprehensive Minimally Invasive Thoracic Surgery Programme
- FACS — Fellow, American College of Surgeons
- Best Cardiothoracic Surgeon of the Year 2024 — Bangkok
- Fellowship in Advanced VATS Thoracic Surgery — Vajira Hospital, Thailand (2025)
- MCh Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery — Madras Medical College, Chennai
- Available at St Thomas Heart Centre & Kesar Specialist Centre, Chennai
- Only surgeon in Chennai for NUSS Procedure & Rib Fracture Fixation
What is Minimally Invasive Thoracic Surgery?
Minimally Invasive Thoracic Surgery (MITS) refers to a family of advanced surgical techniques that allow a thoracic surgeon to operate inside the chest — on the lungs, pleura, chest wall, mediastinum, oesophagus, and diaphragm — through small keyhole incisions rather than a large open chest incision (thoracotomy).
Instead of spreading the ribs apart and making a 15–20 cm cut, the surgeon uses a tiny high-definition camera (thoracoscope) and precision instruments inserted through 2–4 small ports, each measuring just 1–2 cm. Live video is transmitted to a monitor, giving the surgeon a magnified, detailed view of the surgical field — often with better visibility than open surgery.
The result for patients is dramatically less pain, reduced blood loss, shorter hospital stay, lower risk of complications, faster recovery, and minimal scarring — with surgical outcomes equivalent or superior to traditional open thoracotomy in the hands of an experienced specialist.
Thoracic vs. Cardiac — What is the Difference?
Thoracic surgery addresses the lungs, pleura (lung lining), chest wall, mediastinum (space between the lungs), oesophagus, and diaphragm. Cardiac surgery addresses the heart and major blood vessels. While both fall under the cardiothoracic speciality, minimally invasive thoracic surgery is a distinct discipline requiring specific training and expertise — which Dr. B. Thanga Saravanan holds through his MCh in Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery and his dedicated international fellowship in Advanced VATS.
Conditions Treated with Minimally Invasive Thoracic Surgery in Chennai
Dr. B. Thanga Saravanan — Thoracic Surgeon Chennai uses minimally invasive thoracic techniques to treat a comprehensive range of chest and lung conditions. Where open surgery was once the only option, keyhole techniques now deliver superior outcomes with far less trauma to the patient.
| Condition | Description | Procedure used | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🫁 | Lung cancer | VATS lobectomy, wedge resection, or segmentectomy | → VATS |
| 💧 | Pleural effusion | Drainage and treatment of fluid; pleurodesis to prevent recurrence | → VATS |
| 💨 | Pneumothorax | Collapsed lung — repair of air leaks and blebs | → VATS |
| 🦠 | Empyema thoracis | Infected fluid or pus — drainage and decortication | → VATS |
| 🔬 | Mediastinal tumours | Thymoma, lymphoma, and mediastinal cysts | → VATS |
| 🔷 | Pectus excavatum | Sunken chest corrected with titanium bar (NUSS) | → NUSS Procedure |
| 🪼 | Rib fractures / flail chest | Multiple rib fractures stabilised with titanium plates | → Rib fixation |
| 💦 | Hyperhidrosis | Excessive sweating — thoracoscopic sympathectomy | → VATS |
| 🧬 | Lung biopsy | Tissue sampling for lung nodules or interstitial disease | → VATS |
| 🫀 | Pericardial effusion | Fluid around the heart drained via thoracoscopy | → VATS |
| 🔧 | Chest wall reconstruction | Repair of chest wall defects from trauma or tumours | → Rib fixation / VATS |
| 🌀 | Oesophageal conditions | Minimally invasive thoracoscopic oesophageal access | → VATS |
Why Choose Minimally Invasive Thoracic Surgery?
| Outcome | ✅ Minimally invasive (MITS) | ❌ Traditional open surgery |
|---|---|---|
| Incision size | 1–3 cm (keyhole ports) | 15–20 cm (large cut) |
| Rib spreading | None | Required — major trauma |
| Post-op pain | Significantly less | Severe; often chronic |
| Blood loss | Minimal | Higher — transfusion risk |
| Hospital stay | 2–5 days | 7–14 days |
| Recovery time | 2–4 weeks | 6–10 weeks |
| Infection risk | Very low | Higher (large wound) |
| Scarring | Minimal (2–3 small marks) | Large, visible scar |
| Surgical view | Magnified HD camera | Direct (limited depth) |
| Oncological outcomes | Equivalent or superior | Equivalent |
Our Minimally Invasive Thoracic Surgery Services in Chennai
VATS is the most widely performed minimally invasive thoracic procedure — used for lung cancer resection, pleural effusion, pneumothorax, empyema, mediastinal tumours, lung biopsy, and more. Dr. Thanga Saravanan performs advanced VATS with a Fellowship from Vajira Hospital, Thailand (2025).
The NUSS Procedure corrects Pectus Excavatum (sunken chest) using a minimally invasive titanium bar — no rib cutting, no large scars. Ideal for patients aged 10–30. Results are permanent after bar removal at 2–3 years.
⭐ Only best surgeon in Chennai performing the NUSS Procedure for Pectus Excavatum.
Surgical stabilisation of multiple rib fractures and flail chest using titanium rib plates. Faster ventilator weaning, shorter ICU stay, better respiratory outcomes vs. conservative management. Available at Kesar Specialist Centre & St Thomas Heart Centre.
⭐ Only best surgeon in Chennai performing surgical Rib Fracture Fixation.
Meet Chennai's Leading Minimally Invasive Thoracic Surgeon
When seeking minimally invasive thoracic surgery in Chennai, the surgeon’s training, fellowship credentials, and breadth of thoracic expertise are the most critical factors determining your outcome. Dr. B. Thanga Saravanan stands apart as the most comprehensively trained minimally invasive thoracic surgeon in Chennai — the only specialist offering VATS, NUSS, and Rib Fixation in one programme.
⭐ Dr. B. Thanga Saravanan — Chennai’s Only Surgeon Offering All Three: VATS + NUSS + Rib Fixation
No other thoracic surgeon in Chennai currently offers the combination of VATS, NUSS Procedure for Pectus Excavatum, and Rib Fracture Fixation under one specialist. Patients who previously needed to travel to Bangalore, Hyderabad, or Mumbai for NUSS or Rib Fixation procedures can now receive world-class minimally invasive thoracic care right here in Chennai.
Qualifications & Credentials
- MCh Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery — Madras Medical College, Chennai (Dr. MGR Medical University, 2019–2022)
- FACS — Fellow, American College of Surgeons (2020)
- Fellowship in Advanced VATS Thoracic Surgery — Vajira Hospital, Navamindhradhiraj University, Thailand (2025)
- Fellow, Indian Association of Cardiothoracic Surgeons (IACTS)
- F.ICRS — Fellow, International College of Robotic Surgeons, World Laparoscopy Hospital
- Diploma & Fellowship in Minimal Access Surgery (D.MAS, F.MAS)
- Member, Asian Thoracic Academy (ATA/IN/0085)
- Member, International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC)
Where to Find Dr. Thanga Saravanan in Chennai
🏥 Kesar Speciality Centre
Consultation
VATS | Rib Fixation
🏥 St Thomas Heart Centre
Consultation & Surgery
VATS | NUSS Procedure | Rib Fixation
Your Journey with Minimally Invasive Thoracic Surgery in Chennai
Whether you have a suspected lung lesion, have been diagnosed with Pectus Excavatum, or are managing a traumatic rib fracture — Dr. Thanga Saravanan and his team will guide you through every stage of your care.
Stage 1 — Initial Consultation
A comprehensive outpatient consultation at St Thomas Heart Centre or Kesar Specialist Centre. Dr. Thanga Saravanan reviews your history, symptoms, and any existing scans or reports. He provides a clear explanation of your diagnosis and whether minimally invasive surgery is appropriate for your condition.
Stage 2 — Investigations & Pre-operative Planning
Depending on your diagnosis, relevant investigations are ordered — CT scan of chest, PET scan, pulmonary function tests, echocardiogram, blood work, and anaesthetic fitness evaluation. A personalised surgical plan and cost estimate are prepared.
Stage 3 — Surgery
Your minimally invasive thoracic surgery is performed at the appropriate facility under general anaesthesia by Dr. Thanga Saravanan and his dedicated team. Thoracoscopic (VATS) or specialised techniques are used — the correct approach is chosen based on your specific procedure.
Stage 4 — Recovery, Physiotherapy & Discharge
Post-operative monitoring in HDU or ward. Chest physiotherapy, incentive spirometry, and early mobilisation begin from day one. Most patients are discharged within 2–5 days. Detailed discharge instructions, medications, and follow-up schedule are provided.
Stage 5 — Outpatient Follow-Up
Follow-up consultations at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 1 year (or as clinically indicated). Wound review, chest X-ray, and functional assessment. For NUSS patients, bar removal is planned at the 2–3 year follow-up.
Make an appointment
Our Doctors
Dr.B.Thanga Saravanan
MS, Mch ,FACS,FICRS, Fellowship in VATS(THAILAND)
Consultant Cardiovascular and Thoracic surgeon
Dr.A.N.Ramesh
MBBS.,M.D.(Gen. Med).,D.M.Cardio
Senior Consultant Interventional Cardiologist
FAQ About Minimally Invasive Thoracic Surgery Chennai
What is minimally invasive thoracic surgery and how is it different from open chest surgery?
Minimally invasive thoracic surgery (MITS) uses small keyhole incisions (1–3 cm) and a camera (thoracoscope) to operate inside the chest — on the lungs, pleura, chest wall, and mediastinum — without spreading the ribs or making a large chest cut. Open thoracotomy requires a 15–20 cm incision and mandatory rib spreading, causing severe post-operative pain, a long recovery (6–10 weeks), and a large scar. MITS achieves equivalent or superior surgical outcomes with 2–5 days hospital stay, far less pain, and return to normal activity in 2–4 weeks.
Who is the best minimally invasive thoracic surgeon in Chennai?
Dr. B. Thanga Saravanan is Chennai's leading minimally invasive thoracic surgeon. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS), holds an MCh in Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery from Madras Medical College, and completed a dedicated Fellowship in Advanced VATS Thoracic Surgery at Vajira Hospital, Thailand (2025). He was awarded Best Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgeon of the Year 2024 in Bangkok. He is the only thoracic surgeon in Chennai performing all three advanced procedures: VATS, NUSS Procedure (Pectus Excavatum), and Rib Fracture Fixation.
What thoracic surgeries can be done minimally invasively in Chennai?
Dr. Thanga Saravanan performs a full range of minimally invasive thoracic procedures in Chennai including: VATS lobectomy and wedge resection for lung cancer; VATS pleurodesis and decortication for pleural effusion and empyema; VATS management of pneumothorax; thoracoscopic mediastinal tumour removal; NUSS Procedure for Pectus Excavatum (sunken chest); surgical rib fracture fixation with titanium plates for multiple rib fractures and flail chest; and VATS sympathectomy for hyperhidrosis.
Where in Chennai can I get minimally invasive thoracic surgery?
Dr. B. Thanga Saravanan performs minimally invasive thoracic surgery at two locations in Chennai: St Thomas Heart Centre and Kesar Specialist Centre. Both facilities are equipped with advanced thoracic surgical infrastructure, modern operating theatres, HDU and ICU, and experienced anaesthesia and nursing teams. For appointments, call +91 97508 12233
Is minimally invasive thoracic surgery safe?
Yes. Minimally invasive thoracic surgery is a well-established, evidence-based approach with a strong safety record when performed by an experienced thoracic surgeon. Studies consistently show that MITS carries lower rates of complications, less blood loss, fewer pulmonary complications, and reduced mortality compared to open thoracotomy. Dr. Thanga Saravanan's thoracoscopic expertise and international fellowship training ensure the highest standards of safety for all patients.
What is the recovery time for minimally invasive thoracic surgery in Chennai?
Recovery depends on the specific procedure. For VATS procedures (lung biopsy, pleurodesis, wedge resection), most patients are discharged in 2–3 days and return to normal activity in 2–3 weeks. VATS lobectomy for lung cancer typically requires 4–5 days hospitalisation and 3–4 weeks recovery. The NUSS Procedure requires 3–5 days hospitalisation with a 3–4 week return to light activity. Rib Fracture Fixation depends on overall injury severity but typically sees ICU discharge in 3–5 days and full recovery in 6–8 weeks.
Can lung cancer be treated with minimally invasive surgery in Chennai?
Yes. VATS lobectomy is the gold-standard treatment for early-stage (Stage I–II) non-small cell lung cancer and is performed by Dr. Thanga Saravanan in Chennai. VATS lobectomy delivers equivalent cancer control to open surgery with significantly less pain, shorter hospital stay, and faster recovery. Wedge resection and segmentectomy for smaller lesions are also performed via VATS. Dr. Thanga Saravanan reviews each patient's CT scan, staging, and fitness to determine the most appropriate surgical approach.
What is the difference between minimally invasive thoracic surgery and minimally invasive cardiac surgery?
Minimally invasive thoracic surgery (MITS) treats the lungs, pleura, chest wall, mediastinum, oesophagus, and diaphragm — including VATS, NUSS Procedure, and rib fixation. Minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS) specifically addresses the heart — valve repair/replacement, CABG, and structural heart procedures. While both use small incisions and cameras, they are distinct specialities requiring different training. Dr. Thanga Saravanan specialises in minimally invasive thoracic surgery. St Thomas Heart Centre also offers minimally invasive cardiac surgery through its cardiac surgery team.
Does health insurance cover minimally invasive thoracic surgery in Chennai?
Yes. Minimally invasive thoracic surgery procedures — VATS, NUSS Procedure, and Rib Fracture Fixation — are all recognised standard surgical procedures covered by most private health insurance plans in India. VATS procedures are also eligible under Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY) and Tamil Nadu's CMCHIS schemes. Rib fixation surgery for road traffic accident victims may be covered under motor vehicle insurance (MACT claims). Dr. Thanga Saravanan's team at St Thomas Heart Centre and Kesar Specialist Centre assists with full insurance documentation and pre-authorisation.
How do I book a consultation for minimally invasive thoracic surgery in Chennai?
To book a consultation with Dr. B. Thanga Saravanan for minimally invasive thoracic surgery in Chennai, call +91 97508 12233. Consultations are available at St Thomas Heart Centre and Kesar Specialist Centre, Chennai. For urgent cases (trauma, respiratory compromise), call directly for priority assessment. You may also share existing CT scan images or reports by email or WhatsApp for a pre-consultation review.
Book Your Minimally Invasive Thoracic Surgery Consultation in Chennai
Whether you need VATS for a lung condition, NUSS Procedure for Pectus Excavatum, or Rib Fracture Fixation after a chest injury — Dr. B. Thanga Saravanan is Chennai’s most comprehensively trained minimally invasive thoracic surgeon. Book your consultation today.
Phone: +91 97508 12233
Centres: St Thomas Heart Centre & Kesar Speciality Centre, Chennai
Speciality: Minimally Invasive Thoracic Surgery — VATS | NUSS Procedure | Rib Fixation