New Delhi: Doctors at All India Institute of Medical Sciences Delhi achieved a major medical milestone this week by successfully removing a massive 21.8-kg tumour from a 46-year-old woman suffering from advanced uterine sarcoma.
The complex surgery was carried out at the Dr B R Ambedkar Institute Rotary Cancer Hospital (Dr BRA-IRCH), where the patient had been admitted after experiencing progressive abdominal swelling for four months, followed by severe pain, mobility issues and breathing discomfort in recent weeks.
According to Dr M D Ray, Professor in the Department of Surgical Oncology, the tumour had grown to nearly 45 cm and occupied the entire abdominal and pelvic cavity. The mass was exerting pressure on vital organs, including the kidneys and ureters, posing a serious risk of renal failure if left untreated.
On March 23, a multidisciplinary team performed an exploratory laparotomy, confirming that the tumour originated in the uterus. Surgeons removed the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes and the tumour in a demanding five-hour procedure.
Despite the high-risk nature of the operation, including the possibility of major vessel rupture and severe blood loss, the surgical team managed to limit blood loss to around 500 ml, supported by one unit of packed red blood cells.
The patient was shifted to the ICU post-surgery under the supervision of Dr Rakesh Garg, who oversaw intraoperative and critical care management. In a positive recovery sign, the patient began walking the very next day and is expected to be discharged soon.
Doctors highlighted that even extremely large tumours are not always inoperable and can be effectively treated with timely intervention and specialised care.
