Understanding Advancements in Minimally Invasive Thoracic Surgery

Understanding Advancements in Minimally Invasive Thoracic Surgery

13 June, 2025

In today's constantly changing medical environment, technology is redefining surgery to be safer, less painful, and more efficient. One area of modern surgical education is Minimally Invasive Thoracic Surgery, the traditional major chest surgeries are performed with much smaller incisions, leading to faster recovery and a better patient experience. The leader in this progression is Sunrise Hospital in Kochi, Kerala's fastest-growing healthcare network offering advanced treatment through the Best Thoracic Surgeon in Kochi.

So let's take a look at how these advancements have revolutionized thoracic care and how Sunrise Hospital is becoming the most trusted name in the region for this highly specialised treatment.

Minimally Invasive Thoracic Surgery (MITS) is a type of surgery that focuses on the chest region, primarily the lungs, esophagus, and mediastinum. MITS uses small incisions combined with the use of highly accurate manufactures. Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is the most commonly performed form of a MITS procedure. VATS is designed to allow the surgeon to operate in a less evasive manner while (1) the video camera and instruments are introduced through small incisions made between the ribs. Instead of opening the chest with a large incision and spreading the ribs mechanical.... Like open surgery.

The advantages to this new procedure are many:

Smaller incisions, with less scarring.

Less pain and discomfort post-operatively.

Shorter hospital stays and faster recovery.

Less chance of infection and other complications.

Much quicker return to their previous activities and work.

Why Are Advances in Minimally Invasive Thoracic Surgery Important?

Thoracic disease can cause complications that affect the quality of life and take away the ability to make a living if they are not treated early and accurately. MITS became a game changer in the way thoracic disease is treated, improving survival and the quality of life for many patients.

These advances now enable surgeons to treat:

Early stage lung cancers without using open chest surgery.

Emphysema and other chronic lung disease with less trauma.

Complex issues like bronchopleural fi stulas, mediastinal tumours, chest trauma, and esophageal pathology, with improved precision.

What Is Comprehensive Thoracic Surgical Care?

Comprehensive thoracic care goes beyond the operating room. It includes:

Thorough diagnostic imaging and assessment.

Personalised surgical planning tailored to each patient.

Post-operative rehabilitation and continuous monitoring.

Multidisciplinary collaboration with pulmonologists, oncologists, and critical care specialists.

At Sunrise Hospital, we embody this holistic approach to ensure every patient receives not just expert surgical intervention, but also compassionate support throughout their journey.

Why Is a Thoracic Surgeon So Vital to Your Health?

The thoracic cavity houses critical structures like the lungs, heart, oesophagus, and major blood vessels. Any disease affecting these areas—be it cancer, infection, trauma, or congenital disorders—requires specialist intervention.

A skilled thoracic surgeon plays a pivotal role in:

Accurate diagnosis through biopsies and imaging.

Delivering targeted surgical solutions.

Reducing risks through minimally invasive methods.

Guiding patients through long-term recovery and lifestyle changes.

When facing such crucial issues, choosing the Best Thoracic Surgeon in Kochi becomes not just a decision—but a life-defining one.

Here’s what sets us apart:

World-Class Expertise

Our surgical team is led by highly experienced, board-certified thoracic surgeons with special training in Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS). Their collective experience spans thousands of successful procedures ranging from lung resections to treatment of mediastinal tumours.

Sunrise Hospital is proud to host Dr Nasser Yusuf, one of the first pioneers in Kerala to introduce Minimally Invasive Thoracic Surgery (MITS). As Head of the Department of Minimally Invasive Thoracic Surgery in Kochi, Dr Nasser trained at KMC Manipal, with further experience in Ireland and the UK, before returning to the state to perform groundbreaking procedures. In 1999, he led the way in Kerala by adopting keyhole surgery for the chest—now widely known as thoracoscopy—transforming complex thoracic care for conditions like tumours, aneurysms, and trauma. His exemplary contributions earned him the prestigious Dr S.N. Tripathy Memorial Oration Award at NATCON 2024, making him the first thoracic surgeon from Kerala to receive this honour for his work on drug-resistant tuberculosis and chest diseases. This rare blend of pioneering vision, international acclaim, and advanced training positions Dr Nasser alongside a very select few in Kerala who have truly shaped the field of MITS, making him a remarkable pillar of our institution’s commitment to excellence.

Advanced Infrastructure

Our state-of-the-art operation theatres, integrated with 3D imaging, high-definition thoracoscopes, and robotic assistance, provide surgeons with the visual clarity and dexterity needed for precise interventions.

Patient-Centred Approach

Every patient at Sunrise is treated with individualised care. From consultation to post-operative recovery, our staff ensures that patients feel safe, heard, and supported.

What Are Some of the Specialised Thoracic Treatments Available at Sunrise Hospital?

We provide a wide array of thoracic interventions using minimally invasive techniques:

1. Lung Cancer Surgery through VATS

Early-stage lung cancers can be treated with precision using VATS. This avoids the need for rib-spreading and large incisions, dramatically improving recovery and reducing complications.

2. Treatment for Emphysema

VATS enables lung volume reduction surgeries, where damaged parts of the lung are removed to help patients breathe easier and improve lung function.

3. Bronchopleural Fistula Management

Using thoracoscopic and endoscopic techniques, our team safely closes fistulas while minimising patient discomfort.

4. Bullectomy for COPD Patients

Bullectomies remove large bullae from the lungs, significantly improving oxygen absorption in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

5. Esophageal Disorders

From GERD to oesophageal cancer, our VATS approach has transformed recovery experiences for countless patients.

6. Chest Trauma Management

Whether from road accidents or falls, our surgeons use VATS to address internal injuries efficiently, often avoiding more invasive procedures.

How Do Patients Experience Our Services? – Real Testimonials

Here’s what some of our patients have to say:

Amal James

Quality of the Care Process, Communication, follow up, staff service.

Aneesh Chandran

Doctors were good and they treated my mother well..

Alan Brooks

I've just had a most enjoyable experience at Sunrise Hospital.

Why Is Sunrise Hospital the Right Choice for Your Thoracic Surgery Needs?

At Sunrise Hospital, we believe that advanced healthcare should go hand-in-hand with human compassion. From diagnosis to recovery, we walk with you every step of the way.

Here’s how we care for your health:

Personalised consultations with our senior thoracic surgeons.

Preoperative assessments to determine the safest, most effective treatment.

Access to dietitians, physiotherapists, and mental health counsellors to support your full recovery.

Affordable and transparent pricing with high-quality care.

As Kerala’s fastest-growing healthcare network, Sunrise Hospital stands as a beacon of trust, innovation, and commitment.

We invite you to consult our team of experts and experience first-hand why we are the preferred destination for Minimally Invasive Thoracic Surgery and home to the Best Thoracic Surgeon in Kochi.

To book a consultation or know more about our services:

Call us at: +91 484 2660000 or Email us at: enquiry@sunrisehospital.in

Sunrise Hospital: Pioneering Advanced Thoracic Surgery with a Human Touch.