A team at Yatharth Super Specialty Hospital in Sector-88 Faridabad successfully removed a tumor from inside a patient's stomach wall without making any external incisions, achieving a zero-scar outcome. The tumor was located in the gastric fundus, the first part of the stomach, which is a challenging area for surgical intervention. Traditionally, such a procedure would require open abdominal surgery, involving a significant recovery period. However, the medical team employed an innovative endoscopic approach, threading a flexible tube with a camera through the patient's mouth and into the stomach to perform the entire operation internally.
Complex Procedure Explained
Dr. Dhruv Kant Mishra, a consultant in Gastroenterology and Hepatology at the hospital, detailed the complexity of the case. 'This was an extremely challenging case involving a tumor inside the wall of the stomach, requiring precise intervention. We performed an endoscopic full thickness resection, which involves removing the lesion entirely from the stomach followed by device-assisted closure of the defect,' he stated.
The patient, an 80-year-old male, presented with complaints of bleeding from the mouth. He had a large tumor in the gastric fundus. Normally, such a tumor necessitates major surgery with a 7-10 day hospital stay, significant pain, and inability to eat. With this new procedure and device, the team achieved the removal without any external scars or incisions, discharging the patient within a day.
Technical Execution
The procedure involved inserting a full-thickness plication device through the patient's mouth and guiding it into the stomach. Once in position, the tumor was completely removed. However, removing a tumor from the stomach wall leaves a defect that must be closed. The team sealed the hole properly, all while working through an endoscope. The patient was discharged the next day, 24 hours after the procedure, in stable condition. In contrast, traditional stomach surgery typically requires days in the hospital and weeks of recovery at home.
Dr. Mishra highlighted the benefits for specific patient groups. 'This approach is especially beneficial for elderly patients or those with multiple co-morbidities who are not ideal candidates for conventional surgery. The organ-preserving and minimally invasive nature of endoscopic full thickness resection significantly lowers surgical risks while maintaining clinical effectiveness.'
Patients who cannot handle major surgery—such as the elderly or those with diabetes, heart conditions, or compromised immune systems—may find this endoscopic approach a viable alternative, transforming the surgical landscape for high-risk individuals.
