
Dr. Sabyasachi Bal Surgical Oncologist
Doctor Overview
- Full Name & Designation: Dr. Sabyasachi Bal, MS (AIIMS), DNB, FRCS | Director & Head, Department of Thoracic Surgery & Thoracic Surgical Oncology
- Specialization(s): Thoracic Surgery, Thoracic Surgical Oncology, Minimally Invasive Thoracic Surgery (VATS & Robotic), Foregut Surgery, Surgical Oncology
- Years of Experience: 30+ years of experience
- Current Hospital/Institution Affiliation: Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi
Dr. Sabyasachi Bal is a highly distinguished and experienced Thoracic Surgeon and Thoracic Surgical Oncologist based in New Delhi. With over three decades of expertise, he is renowned for his comprehensive management of surgical conditions affecting the chest, particularly cancers like lung, esophageal, and mediastinal tumors. An alumnus of AIIMS, New Delhi, Dr. Bal has pioneered advanced surgical techniques in India, including Lung Volume Reduction Surgery (LVRS) and minimally invasive procedures like VATS and Robotic Thoracic Surgery. He is recognized nationally and internationally for his surgical skill, academic contributions, and patient-centric approach, ensuring individualized care supported by a multidisciplinary team. His practice focuses on achieving the best possible outcomes while prioritizing patient well-being and quality of life.
Qualifications & Credentials of Dr. Sabyasachi Bal
Medical Degrees:
- MBBS, AIIMS, New Delhi (1981)
- MS General Surgery, AIIMS, New Delhi (1984)
- DNB (1987)
Fellowships & Special Training:
- FRCS: Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, UK
- Fellow in Robotic Thoracic Surgery: Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA (2015)
- Varoon Mahajan Fellow in Thoracic Surgical Oncology: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, USA (1999)
- Escorts Raj Nanda Pulmonary Fellow: Advanced Lung Cancer & Lung Volume Reduction Surgery, Glenfield Hospital, University of Leicester, UK (2000-2001)
- UICC Fellow: University of Washington, USA (1994)
- Senior Registrar Training: Thoracic Surgery (University of Bristol, Frenchay Hospital, UK), Surgical Oncology (Royal Marsden Hospital, London & Sutton, UK), Thoracic Surgical Oncology (Royal Brompton Chest Hospital, London, UK)
Certifications & Accreditations:
- Certification & Training in Robotic Surgery: Intuitive Surgical Labs (Sunnyvale, CA; Atlanta, GA, USA), University of San Francisco, CA, USA (2016)
Areas of Expertise
Major Cancer Types Treated:
- Lung Cancer (Primary & Metastatic/Secondaries)
- Esophageal Cancer
- Mediastinal Tumors (Thymoma, Germ Cell Tumors, Lymphoma requiring surgery, etc.)
- Chest Wall Tumors
- Pleural Cancer (Mesothelioma)
- Tracheal & Major Airway Tumors
- Complex Thyroid & Parathyroid Cancers (requiring thoracic approach)
- Foregut Tumors (Esophagus, Stomach)
Sub-specialties:
- Thoracic Surgical Oncology
- Minimally Invasive Thoracic Surgery (VATS & Robotic)
- Foregut Surgery
- General Thoracic Surgery (Lung, Pleura, Mediastinum)
- Endocrine Surgery (Thyroid, Parathyroid)
- Surgical Oncology
Advanced Procedures Performed:
- Robotic Thoracic Surgery (Lung Resections, Thymectomy, Esophagectomy, Mediastinal Tumor Excision)
- Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) – Lobectomy, Segmentectomy, Pneumonectomy, Esophagectomy, Thymectomy, Pleurectomy, Biopsies
- Lung Sparing & Parenchyma Preserving Surgery (Sleeve Resections)
- Major Lung Resections (Lobectomy, Pneumonectomy, Segmentectomy)
- Complex Chest Wall Resections & Reconstruction
- Tracheal Resection & Reconstruction
- Esophageal Resections for Cancer & Benign Disorders
- Surgery for Mediastinal Tumors (Open, VATS, Robotic)
- Lung Volume Reduction Surgery (LVRS) for Emphysema
- Surgery for Myasthenia Gravis (Thymectomy – VATS/Robotic/Open)
- Surgery for Pleural Diseases (Empyema, Pneumothorax)
- Nuss Procedure for Chest Wall Deformities
- Airway Stenting & Laser Interventions
- Diagnostic Mediastinoscopy & Thoracoscopy
- Surgery for Hyperhidrosis (Thoracoscopic Sympathectomy)
Professional Experience of Dr. Sabyasachi Bal
Current & Past Hospital Affiliations:
- Director & Head, Thoracic Surgery, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi (2020 – Present)
- Director & Head, Thoracic Surgery & Thoracic Surgical and Foregut Oncology, Fortis-Escorts Hospitals, New Delhi & NCR (2009 – 2020)
- Associate Director, Thoracic Surgery & Thoracic Surgical and Foregut Oncology, Fortis-Escorts Hospitals, New Delhi & NCR (2006 – 2009)
- Additional Professor of Thoracic Surgery & Chief, Lung Cancer Clinic, AIIMS, New Delhi (2001 – 2005)
- Associate Professor of Thoracic Surgery & Chief, Lung Cancer Clinic, AIIMS, New Delhi (1997 – 2001)
- Assistant Professor of Thoracic Surgery, AIIMS, New Delhi (1993 – 1997)
- Assistant Professor of Endocrine Surgery, SGPGIMS, Lucknow (1988 – 1989)
- Senior Registrar Roles (UK), Royal Marsden Hospital (Surgical Oncology), South West Regional Thoracic Surgery Centre (Frenchay Hospital, Bristol), Royal Brompton Chest Hospital, Royal Cornwall Hospitals (Colorectal Surgery) (1988 – 1993)
- Senior Registrar & Research Associate, Surgery, AIIMS, New Delhi (1985 – 1988)
Academic & Research Roles:
- Former Faculty (Assistant, Associate, Additional Professor), AIIMS, New Delhi
- Former Chief, Lung Cancer Clinic, AIIMS, New Delhi
- Senior Research Fellow, Glenfield Hospital, University of Leicester, UK
- Editor, Thoracic Surgery Section, Indian Journal of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery
- Invited Faculty, Numerous National & International Conferences/Workshops (e.g., Asian Masters Workshop in Minimally Invasive Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai)
Key Achievements & Contributions:
- Pioneer of Lung Volume Reduction Surgery (LVRS) in India.
- One of the pioneers in diagnostic and therapeutic Thoracoscopic (VATS) procedures in India, contributing to high volumes of VATS lung resections.
- Early adopter and proponent of Robotic Thoracic Surgery in India.
- Established and led high-volume Thoracic Surgery & Oncology units.
- Significant contributions to academic Thoracic Surgery in India through teaching and leadership roles at AIIMS.
Awards & Recognitions
National & International Awards:
- Norman Tanner Best Paper Award: Royal Society of Medicine, UK (1990)
- Japanese Surgical Society Award: (1995 – Nagoya, 1996 – Kobe, 1997 – Mentioned in Profile Snapshot)
- Best Paper Award: Indian Association of Surgical Oncology (IASO) (2002 & 2011)
Recognitions & Honors:
- Varoon Mahajan Fellowship: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, USA (1999)
- Escorts Raj Nanda Pulmonary Fellowship: Glenfield Hospital, University of Leicester, UK (2000-2001)
- UICC Fellowship: University of Washington, USA (1994)
- Numerous prestigious fellowships and orations.
- Invited Faculty at numerous national and international teaching groups and conferences.
Research & Publications
Published Papers in Medical Journals: 117 original peer-reviewed papers
Books & Chapters Authored: 8 Chapters in Books
Patient Success Stories & Testimonials
Patient Testimonials
“Being diagnosed with cancer was terrifying, but Dr. Sabyasachi Bal and his team were incredible. He explained the minimally invasive surgery option clearly and patiently. The surgery went smoothly, and my recovery was much faster than I expected.” – A. Kumar
“My father needed complex surgery for an esophageal tumor. Dr. Bal’s expertise was evident from the first consultation. He coordinated with all specialists and performed a VATS procedure masterfully. We are deeply grateful for his skill and compassionate care that gave my father a new lease on life.” – P. Sharma
“I travelled from overseas to consult Dr. Bal for a mediastinal tumor. Dr. Bal and his team made everything seamless. He is not only a brilliant surgeon but also very approachable. The minimally invasive surgery minimized my hospital stay, and I’m now cancer-free.” – R. Singh
Treatment Approach & Philosophy
Patient-Centred Care: Dr. Bal strongly believes in individualizing treatment based on the patient’s specific diagnosis, age, level of activity, and personal expectations. He considers all available options, both surgical and non-surgical, ensuring patients are fully informed. Dr. Bal ensures patients benefit from a collaborative team of experts, including specialists in anesthesiology, pulmonary medicine, critical care, radiology, medical oncology, and radiation oncology, for comprehensive care.
Technology & Innovation: He is at the forefront of adopting advanced surgical technologies like VATS and Robotic Surgery to improve patient outcomes, reduce recovery times, and minimize surgical trauma.
Consultation Fees & Treatment Costs
- Consultation Fees: The consultation fees of Dr. Sabyasachi Bal is around Rs. 1500.
- Treatment Costs: The overall cost of treatment depends significantly on the specific diagnosis, the type of surgery required (Open, VATS, Robotic), duration of hospital stay, necessary investigations, and post-operative care. For an estimated cost breakdown, you can contact Cancer Rounds team.
International Patient Assistance
- Language Support: Assistance with translators for various languages is provided by Cancer Rounds (beyond English, Hindi, Bengali spoken by Dr. Bal).
- Visa & Travel Assistance: Cancer Rounds help with visa invitation letters, travel arrangements, and airport transfers. Also. provide guidance on arranging accommodation for patients and attendants near the hospital.
- Pre-treatment Virtual Consultations: Facility for initial consultations via video conferencing to discuss cases before travel.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q 1. What types of cancer does Dr. Sabyasachi Bal specialize in?
Dr. Bal specializes primarily in cancers of the chest (thoracic region), including Lung Cancer, Esophageal Cancer, Mediastinal Tumors (like Thymoma), Pleural Mesothelioma, and Chest Wall Tumors. He also handles complex Thyroid Cancers requiring thoracic expertise.
Q 2. What advanced surgical techniques does Dr. Sabyasachi bal perform?
He is highly skilled in Minimally Invasive Thoracic Surgery, including Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) and Robotic Thoracic Surgery for various conditions like lung resections, esophagectomy, and thymectomy. He also performs complex open surgeries, lung-sparing procedures, and airway reconstructions.
Q 3. What is Dr. Sabyasachi bal’s experience with Robotic Thoracic Surgery?
Dr. Bal received specialized fellowship training in Robotic Thoracic Surgery at Duke University, USA, and certification from Intuitive Surgical. He is one of the pioneers integrating robotic techniques into thoracic surgery practice in India.
Q 4. How can international patients consult Dr. Sabyasachi Bal?
International patients can contact for Contact Cancer Rounds for assistance with scheduling appointments (including virtual consultations), visa formalities, travel, accommodation, and coordination throughout the treatment process.
Q 5. What makes Dr. Bal a leading Thoracic Surgeon in India?
His extensive experience (30+ years), premier training (AIIMS, MSKCC-USA, UK), pioneering role in VATS and Robotic surgery in India, numerous awards, academic contributions, leadership positions, and patient-centric, multidisciplinary approach make him a highly sought-after expert.