In a remarkable medical achievement, doctors at AIIMS Delhi successfully performed a complex 10-hour surgery to remove a 10 kg tumour from a 49-year-old woman suffering from recurring Stage 4 ovarian cancer. This case highlights the power of expertise and determination in treating even the most challenging medical conditions.
The Patient’s Journey
The woman was first diagnosed with a rare form of ovarian cancer, known as granulosa cell tumour, in 2011. She underwent surgery at the gynaecology department of AIIMS at that time. Unfortunately, the tumour relapsed twice—once in 2016 and again in October 2024.
This time, the cancer had spread to multiple organs, including the small intestine, urinary bladder, large intestine, and the anterior abdominal wall. The tumour’s massive size caused severe complications, including weight loss, abdominal pain, and vomiting, leaving her unable to eat solid food and survive only on liquids.
Challenges of the Surgery
The surgery posed significant challenges:
- Multiple Organ Involvement: The tumour affected vital organs like the small intestine, making it extremely difficult to operate.
- Risk of Small Bowel Syndrome: Removing large sections of the intestine can lead to nutritional deficiencies and a reduced quality of life.
- Bladder and Intestine Compression: The tumour had compressed the walls of the intestine and bladder, complicating the repair process.
- Blood Vessel Injuries: The surgery carried a high risk of blood loss due to potential damage to blood vessels.
The Surgical Procedure
A team of professors of surgical oncology at the Institute of Rotary Cancer Hospital undertook the intricate procedure.
- Tumour Removal: The massive 10 kg tumour was successfully removed after 10 hours of surgery.
- Organ Reconstruction: Multiple sections of the small intestine were removed and reconnected to ensure normal functioning. Two sections of the urinary bladder were also resected and reconstructed.
Despite the complexity, the patient recovered well and was discharged within a week.
Key Lessons from the Case
Even in advanced, relapsed cancer cases, patients should not be deemed inoperable without thorough exploration by experts at high-volume centres. This case demonstrates the importance of expertise, precision, and advanced surgical techniques in saving lives.
A Message of Hope
The successful removal of the 10 kg tumour at AIIMS Delhi is a testament to the capabilities of modern medicine and the dedication of healthcare professionals. It sends a strong message to patients and families facing repeated relapse cancer conditions: never lose hope, and always seek treatment at specialized centres with experienced teams.
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