Dr. Yehuda SchwartzHead of the Pulmonology Institute
A lung cyst is a cavity in the lung that contains air or fluid. This condition is benign and occurs in patients of different genders and age groups. According to some data, lung cysts occur in 3-5% of all patients with respiratory diseases. The surgeons at our clinic have accumulated extensive experience in the surgical treatment of cysts, including the use of endoscopic equipment, allowing for the removal of the cyst in a manner that is least traumatic for the patient. It is not advisable to delay seeking treatment at the clinic, as many neoplasms of uncertain nature can transform into malignant lung tumours.
The removal of a lung cyst usually involves a planned surgery, but delaying treatment may require emergency measures, as it is associated with the risk of complications. Therefore, our specialists pay close attention to the timely diagnosis of this condition, using modern high-precision equipment.
Treatment of Lung Cysts in Israel – Main Methods
Although the condition often proceeds asymptomatically, in complicated cases it can pose a threat to health and life, thus requiring timely treatment, which usually involves surgical removal of the cyst.
Lung cysts are divided into congenital (true) and acquired (false). Congenital cysts develop during the intrauterine period, while acquired cysts may result from previous diseases or lung injuries – bullous emphysema, tuberculosis, pneumothorax, and other infectious diseases and inflammatory-destructive processes in the lungs. Polycystic lung disease, characterized by the formation of multiple lung cysts, is also quite common.
The main danger of a lung cyst lies in its asymptomatic course in the early stages of development. The disease manifests itself only when the cyst has developed to significant sizes. At this point, the patient may experience chest pain, complain of shortness of breath, and cough. In cases of cyst infection, symptoms of intoxication may arise, including fever and respiratory failure.
Treatment of lung cysts is primarily surgical. Cysts often become complicated by infection, so preoperative preparation of the patient includes the use of antibiotic medications, and the surgery is performed after the exacerbation has been resolved. In some cases, the patient may require emergency assistance before the operation, including transthoracic drainage of the cyst.
Removal of a lung cyst in Israel is performed by excising its walls using thoracoscopic access. With the help of an endoscopic thoracoscope, the surgeon examines the lung and removes the cyst through a small camera inserted through a puncture in the sternum. If thoracoscopic surgery is not possible for any reason, a thoracotomy is performed – an open surgery on the lung with minimal impact on healthy tissues.
In complicated cases, when the cyst has fused with lung tissues or is multiple, segmentectomy or lobectomy – partial removal of the lung – is indicated. Pneumonectomy – complete removal of the lung – is extremely rare.
The prognosis for surgery is good, and recurrences of the disease are virtually unheard of. After surgical treatment at Top Ichilov Clinic, patients undergo a rehabilitation course until full recovery.
The Process of Diagnosing a Cyst
Diagnosis of a lung cyst at our clinic takes three to four days. During this time, the patient adapts to the conditions of the clinic, undergoes all necessary examinations, and receives a treatment plan.
First Day – Arrival at the Clinic
On the first day, the patient, accompanied by a curator who acts as a translator and intermediary representing the patient's interests at the clinic, goes for the first consultation at Top Ichilov. The leading pulmonologist reviews the medical history, conducts a primary examination, and issues referrals for necessary diagnostic procedures.
Second Day – Complete Diagnosis
On the second day, a complete diagnosis is conducted, which may include several types of examinations.
- X-ray examination of the lungs (overview X-ray, X-ray in two projections).
- Fluorographic examination.
- Computed tomography of the lungs.
- MRI of the lungs.
- Diagnostic thoracoscopy (minimally invasive examination of the lungs using endoscopic techniques).
- Angiography – examination of the condition of the vessels and overall blood supply to the lungs using X-ray and contrast.
Third Day – Treatment Plan
On the third day, the leading pulmonologist, along with other specialists involved in the diagnosis, forms a team that analyzes the diagnostic results and selects the most promising method for surgical treatment of the cyst.
Treatment of Lung Cysts in Israel – Prices
Depending on the size of the cyst, its type, associated complications, and the patient's condition, treatment of this condition may require varying degrees of surgical intervention. In most cases, the cyst is solitary and small, and its treatment is sufficient with an endoscopic operation. In other cases, more extensive treatment may be required, including open surgery on the lungs. Therefore, the cost of cyst treatment is determined by the complexity of the operation and depends on the diagnostic results.
Regardless of the required surgical measures, the cost of cyst treatment in our country is significantly different from treatment in clinics in European countries and the USA. Israeli clinics are known worldwide for the accessibility of medical services provided and treatment prices that are 20-45% lower than in other countries with developed healthcare systems.
Advantages of Treatment at Top Ichilov Center
- Timely and quality diagnosis. Our clinic is equipped with high-precision equipment, without which no case of examination of patients with such complex pulmonological conditions as lung cysts can be managed. The use of the latest tomographs and X-ray units, thoracoscopic diagnostic methods allows for accurate localization of the cyst, determination of its type and size, and is the key to a successful subsequent operation.
- Organ-preserving surgical methods. In the pulmonology department of Top Ichilov Clinic, preference is given to endoscopic surgeries that do not require traumatic intervention, which contributes to the rapid rehabilitation of the patient, does not lead to complications, and is more economical in financial terms.
- Highly qualified pulmonologists and thoracic surgeons. Our clinic employs specialists who have dedicated many years to their profession, during which they have undergone extensive medical training and clinical practice, and often conducted scientific research in the field of lung cyst treatment, earning a reputation in the international medical community.
- Maximally comfortable conditions for staying in the clinic. The rooms at Top Ichilov can only be formally called rooms. In reality, they resemble cozy hotel suites where the patient can feel at home. Surrounded by the care and attention of our medical staff, patients psychologically cope better with the surgery, and during the postoperative period, they recover their strength more quickly. Each patient admitted to the clinic receives a personal curator responsible for interaction with doctors, translation of medical documents, and addressing everyday issues.