In a remarkable medical feat, a team of surgeons in Lucknow successfully removed an exceptionally large pancreatic tumour from a young woman using advanced robotic technology. The complex procedure, performed on Tuesday, has given a new lease of life to the 20-year-old patient.
A Rare and Challenging Diagnosis
The patient, Anshika Singh, a college student, had been battling persistent health issues for nearly half a year. She experienced severe weakness, abdominal pain, bloating, and a noticeable swelling in her abdomen. As her condition continued to deteriorate, her family sought expert care at Max Super Speciality Hospital in the city.
Comprehensive medical investigations revealed the shocking cause: a large solid pseudopapillary tumour of the pancreas. This type of tumour is rare and is typically detected when it is much smaller, around 1 to 2 centimetres. In Anshika's case, the growth had ballooned to over 10 centimetres, presenting a significant surgical challenge.
The High-Stakes Robotic Intervention
Given the tumour's massive size and its dangerous proximity to vital organs and major blood vessels, doctors recommended immediate surgery. The operation was led by Dr. Ajay Yadav, Director of GI Surgery and Robotic GI Onco Surgery at the hospital.
"Operating on a pancreatic tumour of this magnitude is inherently risky due to the high potential for complications," explained the medical team. The surgery was conducted using a state-of-the-art robotic system, which offers enhanced precision, better visualization, and minimal invasiveness compared to traditional open surgery.
The intricate procedure lasted approximately five to six hours. A critical aspect of the case was the patient's severely compromised health; she was suffering from extreme anaemia with a haemoglobin level of just 2.5 g/dL. Remarkably, despite this, she did not require a blood transfusion during or after the operation.
Rapid Recovery and Positive Outcome
The robotic surgery was completed successfully. Following the operation, Anshika made a steady and swift recovery. She was discharged from the hospital in an impressive 32 to 36 hours post-surgery.
The histopathology report confirmed the complete removal of the tumour with clear margins, meaning no cancerous cells were left at the edges. This excellent result meant that the young patient would not require any follow-up chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
This case highlights how advanced robotic surgical systems are enabling doctors to tackle complex oncological cases with greater success and faster patient recovery times, even for rare conditions diagnosed at an advanced stage.
