Father Muller Medical College Hospital Successfully Performs Two Advanced Minimally Invasive Lung Surgeries
Mangaluru: Father Muller Medical College Hospital (FMMCH) successfully performed two complex lung surgeries using the advanced Uniportal Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) technique in September – October 2026. Both patients have recovered well and were reported to be doing well during follow-up consultations in the third week of October.
The procedures, a right lower lobectomy and a left upper lobectomy, were performed by Dr. Elroy Saldanha, Associate Professor, Department of Surgical Oncology, Father Muller Medical College (FMMC), on patients diagnosed with lung conditions.
Uniportal VATS is an advanced minimally invasive surgical technique that allows surgeons to operate on the lungs, bronchi, and trachea through a single incision measuring approximately 3–4 cm in the chest wall. Unlike conventional open thoracic surgery, the technique avoids a major chest incision and rib resection.
The key benefits of this approach include:
- Faster recovery
- Reduced postoperative pain
- Shorter hospital stays
- Earlier return to routine activities
Both patients recovered well following surgery and were discharged within five to seven days. They have since resumed their normal activities.
The procedures were made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Departments of Surgical Oncology, Respiratory Medicine and Anaesthesiology.
Dr. Elroy Saldanha completed advanced training in minimally invasive uniportal VATS at Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, China, and the First Hospital of Lanzhou University (LZUFH) in September 2026, under the guidance of Dr. Diego González Rivas, a pioneer of the uniportal VATS technique.
The surgical team also included Dr. Srishankar and Dr. Carishma, Assistant Professors in Pulmonary Medicine, and Dr. Ananth Somayaji, Assistant Professor of Anaesthesiology, all from FMMCH. They played key roles in managing the patients throughout the surgical procedures and recovery.
Dr. Elroy Saldanha acknowledged the support of the operation theatre staff, postoperative care team, and nursing department for their dedicated assistance and patient care before, during, and after the surgeries.
This milestone marks another step in Father Muller Medical College Hospital’s efforts to provide advanced, patient-friendly surgical care to people in coastal Karnataka.
Director of Father Muller Charitable Institutions (FMCI) Fr. Faustine L. Lobo, FMMCH Administrator George Sequeira, the Dean of FMMC and the Medical Superintendent of FMMCH congratulated the team on successfully performing the procedures and commended its efforts to facilitate safer recovery for patients.