Dr Nikhil Rane
Minimally Invasive Thoracic Surgeon
Venturing into healthcare with a mission to address these challenges is Dr Nikhil Rane, a highly skilled Minimally Invasive Thoracic Surgeon. He serves as a Consultant Thoracic Surgeon at White Lotus International Hospital, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Fortis Hiranandani Hospital, MGM hospital Vashi, and MGM hospital Belapur, all in Navi Mumbai. He specializes in Robotic and Video Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS).
With over two decades of surgical experience and more than seven years committed to thoracic surgery, Dr Nikhil Rane represents a new generation of surgeons devoted to changing the face of patient care through innovation, compassion, and education. He expertizes across a wide range of conditions affecting the chest and lung, such as lung cancer, empyema, post-tuberculosis sequelae, myasthenia gravis thymectomy, and mediastinal tumors.
Recognized for his precision and patient-centricity, he is someone who carries out his work with the belief that technology should not only simplify but also humanize surgery. “Minimally invasive techniques have not only transformed surgical outcomes but have also restored patients’ confidence in recovery and life after surgery”, says Dr Nikhil Rane.
A Journey of Dedication, Discovery & Purpose
Born with a dream to be a surgeon, it took shape when he pursued his MBBS from MGM Medical College, Kamothe and passed out in 2004. Later, he completed his DNB in General Surgery from Inlaks and Budhrani Hospital, Pune, followed by a super-specialty Dr NB in Thoracic Surgery from Medanta-The Medicity, Gurgaon.
Though his early years were solidly rooted in general surgery and surgical oncology, his
true calling came when he made a shift into thoracic surgery - a decision that he fondly says changed his life. What had started off as an unplanned encounter soon turned into an intense passion relating to diseases of the chest and lungs.
He now performs some of the most advanced minimally invasive procedures, including robotic and keyhole surgeries for lung, pleural, and mediastinal diseases. Beyond the quest for surgical excellence, Dr Nikhil Rane is deeply committed to making these treatments accessible and affordable.
As an Associate Professor in MGM Medical College Nerul, he enables economically constrained patients to undergo surgeries under government health schemes, ensuring that economic constraints never stand in the way of quality care.
He also conducts Continuing Medical Education (CME) sessions to raise awareness among doctors across smaller towns about thoracic conditions that require timely surgical intervention. “Awareness is the first step toward healing both for patients and for the medical community”, remarks Dr Nikhil Rane.
Teamwork, Technology & the Spirit of Innovation
For Dr Nikhil Rane, successful thoracic surgery is never a solo act; it is the outcome of seamless teamwork, trust, and collaboration. Every operation involves a network of experts, from anesthesiologists and intensivists to physiotherapists and nursing staff, each contributing to the patient’s recovery.
He believes fostering a healthy and respectful team culture not only improves surgical outcomes but also prevents burnout and enhances professional satisfaction. “A well-rested, motivated surgeon saves more lives than an overworked one”, emphasizes Dr Nikhil Rane.
Modern technologies, including VATS and robotic-assisted surgery, revolutionized the practice of thoracic surgery by minimizing trauma, pain, and hospital stay, thus enabling the patients to go back to normal life within days.
For surgeons, robotic systems offer unparalleled precision and control, allowing ease and safety in performing surgeries on complex anatomical areas. For the future, Dr Nikhil Rane is especially interested in electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy-a state-of-theart diagnostic modality that allows the early detection of lung cancer via minimally invasive routes.
His relentless pursuit of knowledge keeps him in contact with the medical fraternity around the globe. He regularly attends international conferences and workshops in order to stay updated on the latest techniques and innovations. These exposures, he believes, help him adapt and refine his practice in alignment with world-class standards.
Future Vision
Dr Nikhil Rane plans to establish a center for thoracic and pulmonary surgery in western India-a first-of-itskind facility that brings advanced diagnostics, surgical expertise, and holistic patient care under one roof. He thus hopes that his long-term vision for specialized thoracic treatment will be more accessible, affordable, and standardized across the region.
He wants to train young surgeons in minimally invasive techniques and create an atmosphere of continuous learning and innovative medicine. For him, the future of thoracic surgery does not just lie in technology but in creating awareness, compassion, and collaboration.
He now performs some of the most advanced minimally invasive procedures, including robotic and keyhole surgeries for lung, pleural, and mediastinal diseases. Beyond the quest for surgical excellence, Dr Nikhil Rane is deeply committed to making these treatments accessible and affordable.
As an Associate Professor in MGM Medical College Nerul, he enables economically constrained patients to undergo surgeries under government health schemes, ensuring that economic constraints never stand in the way of quality care.
He also conducts Continuing Medical Education (CME) sessions to raise awareness among doctors across smaller towns about thoracic conditions that require timely surgical intervention. “Awareness is the first step toward healing both for patients and for the medical community”, remarks Dr Nikhil Rane.
Every surgery is not just about saving a life; it’s about giving that life a chance to breathe easier and live better
Teamwork, Technology & the Spirit of Innovation
For Dr Nikhil Rane, successful thoracic surgery is never a solo act; it is the outcome of seamless teamwork, trust, and collaboration. Every operation involves a network of experts, from anesthesiologists and intensivists to physiotherapists and nursing staff, each contributing to the patient’s recovery.
He believes fostering a healthy and respectful team culture not only improves surgical outcomes but also prevents burnout and enhances professional satisfaction. “A well-rested, motivated surgeon saves more lives than an overworked one”, emphasizes Dr Nikhil Rane.
Modern technologies, including VATS and robotic-assisted surgery, revolutionized the practice of thoracic surgery by minimizing trauma, pain, and hospital stay, thus enabling the patients to go back to normal life within days.
For surgeons, robotic systems offer unparalleled precision and control, allowing ease and safety in performing surgeries on complex anatomical areas. For the future, Dr Nikhil Rane is especially interested in electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy-a state-of-theart diagnostic modality that allows the early detection of lung cancer via minimally invasive routes.
His relentless pursuit of knowledge keeps him in contact with the medical fraternity around the globe. He regularly attends international conferences and workshops in order to stay updated on the latest techniques and innovations. These exposures, he believes, help him adapt and refine his practice in alignment with world-class standards.
Future Vision
Dr Nikhil Rane plans to establish a center for thoracic and pulmonary surgery in western India-a first-of-itskind facility that brings advanced diagnostics, surgical expertise, and holistic patient care under one roof. He thus hopes that his long-term vision for specialized thoracic treatment will be more accessible, affordable, and standardized across the region.
He wants to train young surgeons in minimally invasive techniques and create an atmosphere of continuous learning and innovative medicine. For him, the future of thoracic surgery does not just lie in technology but in creating awareness, compassion, and collaboration.
