In India’s densely populated urban centers, lung health is often compromised by rising pollution, sedentary lifestyles, and undiagnosed respiratory diseases. Lung cancer, in particular, is witnessing an alarming increase—no longer confined to smokers or the elderly. In this complex and evolving medical landscape, one name stands out for offering precision, compassion, and innovation: Dr. George Karimundackal, a leading lung cancer specialist in Mumbai. With over 15 years of experience and a reputation built on life-saving interventions, Dr. George is transforming the treatment of thoracic diseases in India with a patient-first approach grounded in cutting-edge surgical science.
Currently serving as Director of Thoracic Surgery at Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital, Dr. George Karimundackal is recognized as a preeminent thoracic surgeon in Mumbai. His commitment to minimally invasive and robotic-assisted procedures has made him a preferred choice for patients seeking advanced care for lung, airway, and mediastinal conditions. Having successfully performed over 1,000 thoracoscopic procedures, including robotic-assisted thoracic surgery (RATS), video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), and the highly advanced Uniportal VATS (U-VATS), he is redefining what modern thoracic surgery looks like in India.
“Many patients still fear lung surgery due to myths about pain, complications, or long recovery periods,” says Dr. George. “Our minimally invasive techniques—particularly robotic and uniportal procedures—are helping patients recover faster, with smaller incisions, lower risk of infection, and quicker return to normal life.” These advancements allow complex surgeries, such as lobectomies, mediastinal mass removals, and tracheal reconstructions, to be performed with exceptional precision and minimal trauma. His ability to offer cardiopulmonary bypass-supported thoracic resections further enables the successful treatment of rare and complicated cases.
While his technical expertise is widely celebrated, Dr. George’s patient-centric ethos is what truly sets him apart. He works in tandem with a dedicated multidisciplinary team comprising thoracic anaesthetists, interventional pulmonologists, oncologists, and cardiovascular surgeons, ensuring holistic and personalized care for each patient. This team-based model enhances safety, promotes better outcomes, and facilitates emotionally supportive care throughout the treatment journey.
One of the key challenges in lung cancer remains late diagnosis. Symptoms like chronic cough, breathlessness, or chest discomfort are often mistaken for allergies, asthma, or infections—leading to dangerous delays. “Lung cancer is highly treatable if detected early. That’s why we’re increasingly recommending low-dose CT scans for high-risk groups such as smokers, individuals exposed to industrial pollution, and those with a family history,” Dr. George explains. His advocacy for early screening aligns with global data showing a five-year survival rate of up to 60–80% for early-stage diagnoses, compared to under 10% for advanced stages.
A recent case at Nanavati Max Hospital highlighted this approach. A 47-year-old non-smoker with persistent hoarseness and shoulder pain was initially misdiagnosed elsewhere. After a thorough evaluation led by Dr. George, a rare Pancoast tumor was identified—an aggressive form of lung cancer located at the top of the lung. Using robotic-assisted techniques and precision planning, Dr. George successfully removed the tumor with minimal damage to surrounding nerves. The patient was discharged within a week, resumed daily activities in under a month, and is currently cancer-free on follow-up PET scans.
“In thoracic oncology, timing is everything,” notes Dr. George. “A few weeks can mean the difference between a curable tumor and metastatic disease. That’s why we prioritize speed without compromising safety.” His experience as a former professor at Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, and his affiliations with global societies like the European Society of Thoracic Surgery reflect both his academic rigor and clinical excellence.
In addition to surgery, Dr. George’s practice embraces advances in immunotherapy and targeted therapy, particularly for patients with inoperable tumors or late-stage diagnoses. These treatments, often based on molecular profiling, offer a powerful complement to surgical interventions. “By tailoring treatment to each patient’s cancer subtype, we’re seeing better survival rates with fewer side effects,” he explains. This integration of pharmacological and surgical care exemplifies a forward-thinking, patient-focused approach that is fast becoming the gold standard.
What makes Dr. George’s contributions especially meaningful is his drive to dispel fear and stigma surrounding lung disease. He regularly engages in public health initiatives and education campaigns to promote awareness of lung cancer in non-smokers, the dangers of air pollution, and the life-saving value of early intervention. “The lungs are vital, yet often neglected. By increasing public awareness and offering state-of-the-art care, we can genuinely change the survival landscape,” he affirms.
As a result of his leadership, Nanavati Max Hospital is rapidly gaining recognition as a center of excellence for thoracic surgery in India. With patients flying in from across the country and abroad, Dr. George Karimundackal continues to offer world-class lung cancer treatment with unparalleled expertise and empathy. For those seeking the most advanced, least invasive, and most compassionate care for thoracic conditions, he remains a beacon of hope and healing in Mumbai.
Dr. George Karimundackal+91-85913 90567Nanavati Max Super Speciality HospitalGround Floor, 18 LIC Colony, Suresh Colony, Vile Parle West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400056
About Dr. George KarimundackalDr. George Karimundackal is one of India’s top thoracic surgeons, currently serving as Director of Thoracic Surgery at Nanavati Max Hospital. A former professor at Tata Memorial Hospital, he is a specialist in robotic, thoracoscopic, and minimally invasive thoracic surgeries. With over 15 years of experience, Dr. George has performed more than 1,000 advanced chest surgeries and remains committed to innovation, compassion, and improving outcomes in lung cancer treatment.