Asian Cancer Institute and ACI Cumballa Hill Hospital, Mumbai – India
About Dr. Ramakant Deshpande
Padma Shri Dr. Ramakant Krishnaji Deshpande is one of India’s most eminent and decorated surgical oncologists. With a remarkable career spanning over four decades, he is celebrated as the pioneer of thoracoscopic surgery in India, a minimally invasive technique he introduced at the prestigious Tata Memorial Hospital. Dr. Deshpande is a leading authority in the management of thoracic malignancies, particularly complex cancers of the lung and oesophagus. His vast experience, commitment to innovation, and exceptional surgical skill have established him as one of the top thoracic cancer surgeons in India, dedicated to providing world-class, affordable cancer care.
Qualifications & Credentials
Medical Degrees
- MBBS: Karnataka Medical College, Hubli, India
- MS (General Surgery): Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, India
- Advanced Training: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, USA
- Fellow of the International College of Surgeons (FICS)
- Fellow of the Association of Surgeons of India (FAIS)
- Diploma in Health Administration (DHA): TATA Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai
Areas of Expertise
Major Cancer Types Treated
- Lung Cancer
- Oesophageal Cancer
- Mediastinal Tumours
- Tracheal and Bronchial Tumours
- Breast Cancer
- Other Thoracic Malignancies
- Thoracic Surgical Oncology
- Minimally Invasive Thoracic Surgery
- Robotic Thoracic Surgery
- Paediatric Surgical Oncology
- Thoracoscopic Surgery / Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) for lung and oesophageal conditions
- Robotic Surgery for thoracic malignancies
- Complex Lobectomy and Pneumonectomy
- Oesophagectomy (removal of the oesophagus)
- Tracheal and Bronchial Resections and Stenting
- Mediastinal Tumour Excision
Professional Experience
Current & Past Hospital Affiliations
- Current Affiliations:
- Executive Chairman, Asian Cancer Institute, Mumbai
- Visiting Consultant, Surgical Oncology, Sir H. N. Reliance Foundation Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai
- Visiting Consultant Oncologist, Lilavati Hospital, Mumbai
- Past Affiliations:
- Chief of Thoracic & Paediatric Surgical Service, Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai
- Assistant Professor in Surgical Oncology, Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, Bangalore
- Honoured with the Padma Shri by the President of India in 2014 for his exceptional contributions to medicine.
- Pioneered and popularised minimally invasive thoracoscopic surgery for cancer treatment in India at Tata Memorial Hospital.
- Established the Department of Thoracic Oncology at Kidwai Institute of Oncology.
- Pioneered the department of Robotic Surgery at the Asian Cancer Institute.
Awards & Recognitions
National & International Awards
- Padma Shri: Fourth highest civilian award by the Government of India (2014)
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Zee Maaza TV (2019)
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Indian National Critical Care Society (2014)
- Game Changers Award: The HR Club (2015)
- Vijayashree Award: International Friendship Society (2000)
- Canara Ratna Award (2009)
- Saraswat Bhushan Award (2002)
- Vidhayadhi raj Award (2014)
- "Saviour Award" in Oncology by Doc N Doc Publications (2014)
- Vocational Excellence Award by Rotary Club Dharwad (2015)
- Vasantrao Naik Pratishthan Award (2015)
Research & Publications
Dr. Deshpande has authored over 50 publications in peer-reviewed national and international journals.Published Papers in Medical Journals
- Multiple Sclerosing Hemangiomas of the Lung. (Asian Cardiovascular & Thoracic Annals, 2005)
- Is surgery for T4 non-small-cell lung cancer worthwhile? (The Annals of Thoracic Surgery, 2004)
- Thoracic duct cyst of the mediastinum. (Annals of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, 2003)
- Leiomyosarcoma of the esophagus. (Diseases of the Esophagus, 2003)
- γδ T cells lyse autologous and allogenic oesophageal tumours: involvement of heat-shock proteins in the tumour cell lysis. (Cancer Immunology, Immunotherapy, 2000)
- Endometrial stromal sarcoma. (Indian Journal of Cancer, 1968)
- Authored chapters on the management of lung cancer in the Textbook of Cancer, published by the National Book Trust of India.
Patient Success Stories & Testimonials
- "When my father was diagnosed with lung cancer, we were told he needed a major open surgery. We were fortunate to get a second opinion from Dr. Ramakant Deshpande. He performed a thoracoscopic surgery with tiny incisions. The recovery was unbelievably fast, with minimal pain. Dr. Deshpande’s experience and calm demeanour gave us immense confidence. He is a true legend and a lifesaver." - Priya S.
- "Being diagnosed with oesophageal cancer was terrifying. Dr. Deshpande is not just a surgeon; he is an institution. He explained the complex surgery in simple terms and assured us of the best possible outcome. His skill is unmatched. I am now cancer-free and able to eat normally, something I thought would never be possible. India is blessed to have a doctor like him." - Ahmed Khan
- "As an international patient, I was looking for the absolute best surgeon in India. Dr. Deshpande’s name, backed by the prestigious Padma Shri award, stood out. From the first virtual consultation to the post-surgery care, the experience was seamless. He is a humble, approachable, and brilliant surgeon who treats his patients with utmost respect and care." - John W., UK
Treatment Approach & Philosophy
Patient-Centred Care
- With four decades of experience, Dr. Deshpande combines wisdom with a deeply compassionate approach. He is known for his ability to handle the most complex cases with a calm and reassuring presence, ensuring patients and their families feel supported throughout their treatment journey. His focus is on achieving the best oncological outcomes while preserving the patient's quality of life.
- Dr. Deshpande has been a lifelong champion of medical innovation. He was a visionary in adopting thoracoscopy when it was a nascent technology, fundamentally changing thoracic surgery in India to be less invasive. He continues this legacy by pioneering robotic surgery, always striving to leverage technology for superior patient benefits like reduced pain, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery.
Treatment Costs
The cost of thoracic cancer surgery depends on the complexity of the procedure, the technology used (open, thoracoscopic, or robotic), and the length of the hospital stay. The Cancer Rounds team provides transparent and detailed cost estimates for your specific treatment plan.
For a personalised consultation and precise cost estimate, please connect with the Cancer Rounds team.
| Treatment / Procedure | Estimated Cost (INR) | Estimated Cost (USD) |
| Thoracoscopic Lobectomy (Lung Cancer) | ₹5,50,000 - ₹8,50,000 | $6,600 - $10,200 |
| Oesophagectomy (Oesophageal Cancer) | ₹7,00,000 - ₹11,00,000 | $8,400 - $13,200 |
| Robotic Assisted Thoracic Surgery (RATS) | ₹8,00,000 - ₹12,00,000 | $9,600 - $14,400 |
International Patient Assistance
The Cancer Rounds team is dedicated to providing comprehensive and personalised assistance to international patients.
- Language Support: We offer professional interpreters to facilitate clear communication between you and Dr. Deshpande's team.
- Visa & Travel Assistance: Our team helps with medical visa invitation letters, airport transfers, accommodation booking, and local transport.
- Pre-treatment Virtual Consultations: We can arrange a secure online video consultation with Dr. Deshpande to discuss your case and treatment plan before you travel to India.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Ramakant Deshpande is regarded as one of India's best thoracic surgeons due to his 40+ years of experience, his pioneering work in minimally invasive thoracoscopic surgery, his leadership roles at top institutions like Tata Memorial and Asian Cancer Institute, and being a recipient of the prestigious Padma Shri award.
Thoracoscopic surgery, or VATS, is a minimally invasive procedure to operate on the chest through small incisions, using a camera and specialised instruments. The benefits include significantly less pain, smaller scars, shorter hospital stays, and a much faster recovery compared to traditional open-chest surgery.
Dr. Deshpande is a specialist in thoracic oncology, with a primary focus on the surgical treatment of lung cancer and oesophageal cancer. He also manages other tumours within the chest cavity, such as mediastinal tumours.
Yes, continuing his legacy of innovation, Dr. Deshpande pioneered the establishment of the robotic surgery department at the Asian Cancer Institute and is proficient in using the robotic platform for complex thoracic cancer surgeries.
You can schedule a consultation or a second opinion with Dr. Deshpande by contacting the Cancer Rounds team. They will coordinate with his office to secure an appointment for you.
Yes, Dr. Deshpande has extensive experience treating patients from all over the world. The Cancer Rounds team can facilitate the entire process for international patients, from initial consultation to travel and treatment.
