In a remarkable medical achievement, doctors at AIIMS Bhubaneswar have successfully removed a rare 7kg plexiform neurofibroma from the left arm of a 47-year-old woman, bringing her relief after nearly 30 years of pain and disability. The condition had steadily worsened over three decades, severely limiting her mobility and affecting her everyday life.
Patient's Background and Condition
The woman, a labourer from Baripada in Mayurbhanj district, had a large, pendulous swelling stretching from her mid-arm to the back of her hand. As the growth enlarged over time, it became extremely heavy and disabling. It significantly reduced shoulder movement, weakened hand function, and made routine tasks increasingly difficult. The skin over the mass also darkened and developed ulcers due to long-standing pressure.
Admission and Surgical Planning
She was admitted to AIIMS Bhubaneswar on November 25. After a detailed pre-operative evaluation, doctors identified the tumour as a highly vascular lesion about 45 cm long, making surgery particularly demanding because of the high risk of bleeding, according to Dr. Sanjay Kumar Giri, head of the Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery at AIIMS Bhubaneswar. Because of the complexity, the treatment was planned in two stages.
First Stage of Surgery
The first operation removed the forearm portion of the tumour during a six-hour surgery on December 3 last year. The team used advanced vessel-sealing technology, LigaSure, along with careful surgical planning to control bleeding. Blood transfusions were also required as support during the procedure.
Second Stage of Surgery
After a six-month gap, the second procedure was carried out on May 28 to remove the hand component, lasting about three hours. Again, LigaSure technology and blood transfusions were utilized to ensure patient safety.
Reconstruction and Recovery
After the tumour was removed, the raw wound areas were reconstructed with skin grafts taken from usable skin on the excised tissue itself. This method helped avoid creating additional donor-site wounds elsewhere on the patient's body. According to an official statement from AIIMS Bhubaneswar issued on Saturday, the grafts have taken well, and the patient is recovering steadily with regular follow-up and dressing care.
Commendation from Hospital Leadership
AIIMS Bhubaneswar Executive Director Dr. Ashutosh Biswas commended the team for completing the challenging procedure successfully and said it has given the patient a renewed chance at a better life. The surgeries were performed by the burns and plastic surgery department team, demonstrating exceptional skill and dedication.
