Delhi AIIMS Doctors Save Patient by Removing 20-Kg Tumor

New Delhi: In a remarkable medical feat, surgeons at Delhi AIIMS successfully saved the life of a 43-year-old woman suffering from stage-IV colon cancer by removing a massive 19.9-kg tumor. The complex surgery, performed in two phases, involved multiple organs and has provided new hope for patients with advanced-stage cancer.

The patient, a resident of Durgapur, West Bengal, was diagnosed with colon cancer seven months ago. Despite undergoing multiple rounds of chemotherapy at different hospitals, the disease continued to progress. Scans revealed that the cancer had spread extensively, with the colon, bladder, uterus, and other abdominal organs indistinguishable amidst the tumor mass.

Two-Phase High-Risk Surgery

Dr. M.D. Ray, a surgical oncologist at AIIMS, led the high-risk operation. In the first phase, the surgeons removed the bulk of the tumor, but the patient’s condition became unstable. After two days, once she stabilized, the second, more complex phase was performed on January 12. The surgery involved the removal of the ascending colon, part of the ileum, transverse and sigmoid colon, omentum, uterus, both ovaries, fallopian tubes, and peritoneum, along with a liver capsule resection.

Following surgery, the patient received hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) and was closely monitored in the ICU. She was discharged within five days, and Dr. Ray confirmed that she will continue maintenance chemotherapy, with targeted therapy added if required.

A New Perspective on ‘Inoperable’ Cancer

Dr. Ray emphasized that metastatic colon cancer should not be deemed inoperable based solely on tumor size. The real challenge lies in cases involving multiple organs, which require skilled hands and experience. He added that advanced surgical techniques and high-volume centers can achieve outcomes once considered impossible.

This groundbreaking surgery highlights the potential for life-saving interventions even in late-stage cancers and offers renewed hope for patients nationwide.