Lung Cancer Surgery (VATS & Open)
When a lung tumour needs removal, surgery offers the best chance of a cure. Today keyhole (VATS) surgery removes even a whole lobe with tiny cuts, less pain and a far faster return to life.
How lung cancer surgery works
Lung cancer surgery removes the tumour along with the part of the lung it occupies, leaving as much healthy lung as possible behind.
If cancer is confined to one lobe, a lobectomy (removal of that whole lobe) is the standard of care. When the disease is bigger, a bilobectomy or even a whole-lung pneumonectomy may be needed - but we always try to save as much functioning lung as possible.
Many lobectomies can now be done by VATS - three small holes instead of a full chest incision. Patients are surprised how quickly they walk, eat and breathe after a procedure that removes a large amount of disease.
The different forms
Surgery (first choice when possible)
For early-stage cancer, surgical removal gives the best chance of a permanent cure.
VATS lobectomy
The whole lobe is removed through keyhole cuts - less pain, shorter stay, quicker recovery.
Open thoracotomy
For larger or tricky tumours a controlled open approach gives safe, complete removal.
Pneumonectomy
When the whole lung is diseased, it is removed; most people adapt well with one lung.
Watch real cases from our operating theatre
Dr Ahmad Ali explains the condition and surgery in simple words.
How you know you have it
Typical symptoms
- Cough that lasts more than three weeks
- Coughing up blood-stained sputum
- Chest pain or heaviness that does not settle
- Weight loss and loss of appetite without reason
When to seek help urgently
- Coughing up significant blood
- Severe breathlessness
- Sudden weakness, confusion or fainting
- Bone pain or severe headaches with chest symptoms
How it is confirmed
Chest X-Ray
First look for a suspicious shadow or mass in the lung.
CT Scan Chest
Defines the size, position and spread of the tumour, and guides the biopsy.
Biopsy (Bronchoscopy / VATS)
A tissue sample is taken to confirm exactly what the lesion is - the only sure way.
PET / Bone Scan + Fitness Tests
Confirms the disease has not spread and that your heart and lungs can safely support surgery.
The procedures Dr Ahmad Ali performs
Every case is discussed first - stage, fitness and goals decide whether keyhole or open surgery is right.
VATS Lobectomy / Segmentectomy
- What it is — The tumour-bearing part of the lung is removed through 2-4 small cuts using a camera and long instruments.
- Eligibility — Early-stage cancer; the preferred approach for most diagnosed patients today.
- Stay — Usually 3-5 days.
- Recovery — Walking within a day, back to normal activity in 3-4 weeks, less pain than open surgery.
Thoracotomy & Lobectomy / Bilobectomy
- What it is — A controlled chest incision removes the lobe (or two lobes) completely with the lymph nodes.
- Eligibility — Larger tumours, central disease, or when keyhole access is unsafe.
- Stay — Usually 5-7 days.
- Recovery — Return to light activity within 4-6 weeks; full recovery over a few months.
Pneumonectomy
- What it is — The entire lung is removed when the disease occupies it completely.
- Eligibility — Central tumours that cannot be cleared with a smaller resection.
- Stay — 5-7 days, with careful physiotherapy.
- Recovery — Most patients adapt to one lung and live active, full lives.
Benefits of treatment at ChestExperts
Surgery offers a real cure
For early-stage disease, complete removal gives the very best long-term results.
Keyhole, less pain
VATS lobectomy means small cuts and a remarkably smooth recovery.
Healthy lung protected
We remove only what is necessary and preserve as much breathing capacity as we can.
One team, full journey
Diagnosis, biopsy, surgery and follow-up are handled under one roof with clear guidance.
Honest conversations
You are told the stage, the options and the realistic outlook - nothing hidden, nothing rushed.
Structured follow-up
Scheduled scans and reviews keep you safe and you are never left on your own.
Thoracic & Chest Surgeon
Meet Dr Ahmad Ali
Specialist thoracic and chest surgeon at Hameed Latif Hospital, Lahore - focused on minimal-pain, minimal-stay surgery, including for Lung Cancer Surgery (VATS & Open).
Dr Ahmad Ali treats every patient as his own. He first understands the problem completely - your symptoms, your scan and your daily life - before recommending anything. He explains each step simply, in Urdu or English, and never pushes a procedure that is not truly needed.
How he can help with Lung Cancer Surgery (VATS & Open): He confirms the exact diagnosis, then chooses the least invasive option that is genuinely safe for your stage and performs it with precision, so your recovery is smooth. For most cases, the procedure Dr Ahmad Ali performs here is VATS Lobectomy / Segmentectomy while more advanced disease is handled with Thoracotomy & Lobectomy / Bilobectomy.
Bring your reports - he tells you what they really mean, in simple words.
Only the tests that are genuinely needed are ordered - no extra burden.
The safest option for your exact stage, with clear and transparent cost.
The procedure, then careful follow-up until you are fully recovered.
A suspicious finding on your scan?
Bring your CT report. We will explain it in plain Urdu or English and map the next step with you.