In a remarkable medical achievement, doctors at Fortis Memorial Research Institute (FMRI) successfully removed a massive 1.9-kilogram tumour from the chest cavity of a 17-year-old male patient. The patient initially sought medical attention for neck and chest pain accompanied by fever, leading to an intricate diagnosis of a rare condition known as Thymolipoma.
This benign tumour type involves the abnormal growth of the thymus gland, expanding to cover extensive portions of the chest and lungs.
Led by Dr Udgeath Dhir, Director and Head of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery (CTVS) at FMRI, the medical team executed a complex surgery that saved the patient's life.
A Rare Diagnosis
Upon admission to Fortis Gurugram, the patient underwent a high-resolution chest CT scan, revealing a significantly large mass that had virtually overtaken the chest cavity.
This enormous growth was exerting immense pressure on both the lungs and the heart, impairing their normal function.
Recognising the urgent need for medical intervention, the team of doctors decided to embark on a high-risk surgical procedure to remove the massive tumour.
Surgical Precision
The surgical team strategically minimised potential risks by making incisions along the sides of the lungs to access and remove the tumour.
One of the most critical aspects of the surgery was the administration of anaesthesia, which required meticulous precision due to its high-risk factors.
Inducing anaesthesia in this case could have compressed the heart and potentially halted blood circulation, making it a step that demanded unwavering attention to detail.
Dr Udgeath Dhir, Director and Head of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery (CTVS) at Fortis Memorial Research Institute shed light on the case to Hindustan Times, stating,
"The procedure involved meticulous dissection and careful attention to detail, and we are pleased to report that the patient is recovering well post the surgery. If such cases are not treated promptly, patients may experience severe complications such as breathlessness, atrophic diaphragm muscles, and reduced lung capacity. In this case, the chances of recurrence are very low, as we removed the entire tissue with the potential for re-growth”
This successful surgery not only highlights the exceptional medical expertise available at Fortis Memorial Research Institute but also serves as a testament to the power of timely and accurate diagnosis combined with meticulous surgical skill in saving lives.
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