Doctors pull off miracle as they remove 9-kg, football-sized tumour from patient¡¯s abdomen

In a jaw-dropping display of surgical skill, doctors at Fortis Memorial Research Institute in Gurugram pulled off a life-changing surgery, successfully removing a colossal 9.1 kg tumour from a 55-year-old woman¡¯s abdomen. The patient, who travelled from Africa after facing numerous refusals due to the complexity of the procedure, found a solution in India. Led by Dr. Amit Javed, Director of Gastrointestinal Oncology, the Fortis team managed the high-stakes, three-hour operation with precision.

9kg tumour

This wasn¡¯t your average surgery¡ªit was a risky affair from start to finish. The tumour, an enormous 35x20x30 cm mass, was causing unbearable pain for six months, compressing vital organs and ¡°hanging like a football,¡± as Dr. Javed described. Doctors performed extensive tests, including CT angiography and PET scans, revealing the tumor¡¯s size and its severe impact on the urinary system, kidneys, and other essential structures. Yet, thanks to the skilled Fortis team, the patient was back on her feet and discharged in just four days, stunning everyone with her quick recovery.

Rare gastrointestinal stromal tumour

The tumour, later identified as a rare gastrointestinal stromal tumour (GIST) originating from the stomach wall, could have led to life-threatening complications if left untreated. Dr. Javed explained that such growths can cause severe bleeding and organ compression. The tumor's risky location and sheer magnitude left doctors unable to pinpoint its origin until after the procedure¡ªa challenge that made the surgery all the more impressive.

Hospital takes pride for the team¡¯s skill

Fortis¡¯s Facility Director, Yash Rawat, expressed immense pride in the team¡¯s work, emphasising the level of skill and care that goes into tackling such challenging cases. He noted that cases like these underscore Fortis Gurugram¡¯s commitment to high-quality, patient-focused care and clinical excellence.

So, how do tumours like this even form? Experts say that tumours grow when abnormal cells clump together due to irregular cell replacement, causing an overgrowth. General risk factors for these types of growths include inherited conditions (such as Lynch syndrome), gene mutations, family cancer history, and lifestyle factors like smoking, alcohol, and obesity. Viruses like HPV, prior radiation exposure, and obesity are also linked to increased cancer risks.

In the end, the operation was a reminder of both medical science¡¯s power and the personal strength of patients who endure these health battles.