In a remarkable medical feat, a 35-year-old woman from the Democratic Republic of Congo has been given a new lease on life after undergoing an extensive 12-hour robotic surgery in Mumbai. The procedure was necessary to treat an exceptionally aggressive and rare form of endometriosis, a painful gynecological condition that affects an estimated 42 million women in India.
A Journey from Pain to Hope
The patient, identified as Josephine Chantal, had endured years of relentless pelvic pain, infertility, and debilitating symptoms that included severe bladder and bowel difficulties. "Years of infertility and relentless pain stole my hope," she shared. Her suffering was compounded by intense nerve-related symptoms, such as shooting pain in her legs and pelvis.
Chantal had previously undergone an open surgery in her hometown a year ago, but doctors were forced to abandon the procedure midway due to the extensive and invasive nature of the disease. This led her to seek advanced care at Mumbai's Jaslok Hospital on Pedder Road.
The Complexity of the Case and Robotic Precision
An MRI scan revealed the shocking extent of her condition. Dr. Abhishek Mangeshikar, the consulting gynecologist, diagnosed one of the most aggressive forms of deep endometriosis. The abnormal tissue had completely engulfed the right side of her pelvis, infiltrated the bladder wall, and surrounded her vagina and rectum.
The disease had also blocked and damaged her right ureter, the tube connecting the kidney to the bladder. This caused her right kidney to function at a mere 8%, necessitating its removal. The internal scarring from her previous failed surgery added another layer of complexity. "Robotic technology helped increase precision where it was most needed," explained Dr. Mangeshikar.
A Triumph of Multi-Specialty Collaboration
The surgery, performed on November 21, was a meticulously coordinated effort between three surgical specialists using a robotic arm. Urologist Dr. Malav Modi removed the non-functioning kidney and a section of the bladder, followed by reconstruction of the bladder wall. Dr. Mangeshikar then meticulously removed the invasive endometrial tissues from across the pelvis, around critical organs, and freed trapped nerves. Finally, colorectal surgeon Dr. Chintamani Godbole removed a portion of the intestine and reconnected it.
"Travelling here gave me a second chance," said an emotional Chantal after her recovery. "After the robotic surgery, my pain has eased, my strength is returning, and I finally see the possibility of motherhood again." Dr. Mangeshikar added that the chances of the disease recurring are now low.
A Rising Health Concern in Urban India
While endometriosis is relatively common, affecting roughly 1 in 10 women globally, such extensive cases are rare. However, experts note a worrying trend. Senior gynaecologist Dr. Kiran Coelho, who was not involved in this case, stated that cases of endometriosis are rising in urban areas.
She emphasized that the condition is often challenging to diagnose in its early stages, leading to delayed treatment. "Often, a multi-specialty approach is necessary as many organs could be involved," Dr. Coelho said. "Care has to be taken to ensure the patient doesn't need a second surgery." This landmark case in Mumbai highlights the critical need for awareness, early diagnosis, and advanced surgical options for managing this complex women's health issue.
