Cardiothoracic Surgery is a highly specialised medical discipline dedicated to the diagnosis, treatment, and surgical management of conditions affecting the heart, lungs, oesophagus, and other organs within the chest. At Joshi Hospital, Pune, the Cardiothoracic Surgery department combines expertise, advanced technology, and a patient-centered approach to deliver comprehensive care for both adult and pediatric patients. With the increasing prevalence of heart and lung diseases in India, access to reliable and skilled surgical care is essential. Our department is committed to delivering evidence-based, safe, and effective cardiothoracic surgical services under one roof.

Cardiothoracic surgery covers a broad spectrum of diseases that may arise from congenital defects, degenerative changes, infections, trauma, lifestyle-related conditions, and malignancies. The role of a cardiothoracic surgeon is not limited to performing surgery; it also includes pre-surgical assessment, peri-operative management, and post-surgical rehabilitation. At Joshi Hospital, each patient is thoroughly evaluated using modern diagnostic tools, including echocardiography, CT scans, MRI, pulmonary function tests, and angiography. This ensures a precise understanding of the patient’s condition before choosing the appropriate surgical plan.

Heart-Related Surgeries

Heart diseases remain a major health concern, with conditions such as coronary artery disease, valvular heart disorders, congenital heart defects, and cardiomyopathies affecting individuals across age groups. The Cardiothoracic Surgery team at Joshi Hospital is experienced in performing a wide range of cardiac procedures. These include:

• Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG): Performed to restore blood supply to the heart muscle when coronary arteries are blocked. CABG helps improve heart function, relieve chest pain, and enhance quality of life.
• Valve Repair and Replacement: Patients suffering from stenosis, regurgitation, or congenital valve disorders may require surgical intervention. Surgeries may involve repairing the existing valve or replacing it with a mechanical or tissue valve.
• Surgery for Congenital Heart Diseases: Congenital anomalies such as atrial septal defects, ventricular septal defects, and Tetralogy of Fallot are managed through precise surgical correction, allowing children and adults to lead healthier lives.
• Aortic Surgery: Conditions such as aortic aneurysm or dissection require timely and often complex surgical repair to prevent life-threatening complications.
• Arrhythmia Surgery: Procedures such as the Maze surgery help treat abnormal heart rhythms that do not respond to medication or catheter-based techniques.

Each cardiac surgery is performed using internationally accepted protocols, with special attention to minimising risk and ensuring optimal recovery.

Thoracic Surgeries

Thoracic surgery deals with diseases of the lungs, airway, chest wall, diaphragm, mediastinum, and oesophagus. These conditions may arise due to infections, cancer, trauma, or structural abnormalities. Joshi Hospital offers a comprehensive range of thoracic surgical procedures, such as:

• Lung Resection Surgeries: Including lobectomy, pneumonectomy, and wedge resection for treating lung cancers, severe infections, or damaged lung tissue.
• Thoracoscopic (VATS) Procedures: Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery is a minimally invasive approach used for conditions like pneumothorax, pleural effusion, lung nodules, and certain mediastinal tumours. VATS allows shorter hospital stay, less pain, and faster recovery.
• Empyema and Pleural Disease Management: Surgical drainage and decortication are performed for chronic infections in the pleural space.
• Diaphragmatic Hernia Repair: Surgical correction of congenital or acquired defects in the diaphragm.
• Esophageal Surgery: Treatment of esophageal cancer, achalasia cardia, and severe reflux disease requiring surgical intervention.
• Chest Wall Reconstruction: Performed after trauma, tumour removal, or congenital chest wall deformities.

Thoracic surgeries at Joshi Hospital are performed with precision, supported by advanced imaging, intra-operative monitoring, and a multidisciplinary team.

Minimally Invasive and Advanced Techniques

The field of cardiothoracic surgery has evolved significantly with the introduction of minimally invasive techniques. These procedures require smaller incisions, cause less tissue trauma, and reduce recovery time. At Joshi Hospital, selected cardiac and thoracic surgeries are performed using minimally invasive approaches whenever appropriate.

Minimally invasive cardiac surgery may include small-incision valve repair or replacement, atrial septal defect closure, and certain coronary bypass procedures. Thoracic surgeries using VATS have revolutionised patient outcomes in lung and mediastinal conditions. These techniques are supported by advanced anaesthesia, high-definition imaging systems, and enhanced postoperative care.

Pre- and Post-Operative Care

Effective surgical outcomes depend not only on the procedure but also on thorough evaluation and comprehensive postoperative management. Pre-operative assessment at Joshi Hospital includes risk stratification, fitness evaluation, and optimisation of coexisting medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, or lung disease.

Post-operative care is delivered in well-equipped intensive care units (ICUs) with continuous monitoring. Rehabilitation includes respiratory therapy, gradual mobilisation, nutritional guidance, and follow-up consultations. The goal is to help patients regain strength and return to their normal activities as safely and quickly as possible.

Conditions Commonly Treated

The Cardiothoracic Surgery department manages a wide range of conditions, including:

• Coronary artery disease
• Heart valve disorders
• Congenital heart defects
• Lung cancer and benign lung diseases
• Pleural effusion and empyema
• Mediastinal tumours
• Oesophageal diseases
• Chest trauma
• Aortic aneurysms
• Diaphragmatic disorders

Through systematic evaluation and specialised surgical management, patients receive personalised treatment based on clinical needs.