Jammu, March 13:
In a significant boost to advanced cancer care in Jammu & Kashmir, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Jammu has announced the successful performance of a complex surgery on a patient with a large left adrenal tumor. The groundbreaking procedure involved pre-operative transcatheter arterial embolization followed by the resection of the tumor, a combined approach highlighting the institute’s advanced capabilities and a testament to its successful multi-disciplinary team efforts.
The patient had sought medical attention at various centers across the region after experiencing non-specific symptoms and being diagnosed with a suspected adrenal tumor. Finally, the patient arrived at AIIMS Jammu, where the Department of Surgical Oncology took charge. Comprehensive investigations, including advanced imaging and intricate biochemical tests, confirmed the presence of a functional adrenal tumor. Functional adrenal tumors are known to pose severe risks during surgery due to their ability to secrete hormones that can cause sudden, life-threatening spikes in blood pressure.
A comprehensive treatment plan was devised after a multi-disciplinary tumor board meeting. Given the complexity and potential risks, a phased approach was adopted, leveraging the expertise of multiple departments.
Multi-Disciplinary Expertise Paves the Way for Success
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Pre-operative Optimization: The Department of Endocrinology, under the guidance of Assistant Professor Dr. Juhi Jamwal, spearheaded pre-operative preparation. The patient underwent essential alpha and beta blockade therapy, a sequential approach crucial for stabilizing pulse rate and blood pressure before the high-stakes surgery.
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Managing Underlying Conditions: The team also had to address the patient’s existing condition – Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Dr. Ganesh Kumar, Assistant Professor in the Department of Pulmonary Medicine, optimization the respiratory condition, ensuring the patient was suitable for safe anesthesia and surgical intervention.
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A Strategic Intervention: Pre-operative Embolization: A critical and rare step in this case was performed by Dr. Shariq, Assistant Professor in the Department of Radio Diagnosis (Interventional Radiology). He executed a pre-operative trans-arterial tumor embolization, a technique to deliberately cut off the blood supply to the adrenal tumor. This vital intervention significantly reduced the tumor’s vascularity, minimizing intraoperative bleeding risk and making the definitive surgery safer and more feasible.
- The Definitive Surgery and Anesthesia Support: Following successful embolization, the intricate surgery – a left adrenalectomy with splenectomy – was performed by the Surgical Oncology team led by Assistant Professor Dr. Paras Khanna. Throughout the procedure, a dedicated Anaesthesia team, including Additional Professor Dr. Shruti Sharma and Assistant Professors Dr. Slomi Gupta and Dr. Sandeepika Dogra, provided unwavering support, ensuring patient stability and safety.
Recovery and Triumph for AIIMS Jammu
After the complex surgery and dedicated care from the intensive care unit (ICU) nursing staff and ward teams, the patient is on a steady road to recovery. Currently clinically stable, the patient is being discharged after a week of observation.
This achievement serves as a significant milestone for AIIMS Jammu, reflecting its commitment to delivering cutting-edge medical care. Prof. (Dr.) D. N. Sharma, Executive Director & CEO, AIIMS Jammu, congratulated the teams involved in this monumental success. He emphasized that this case epitomizes the strength and effectiveness of a multi-disciplinary approach in managing challenging oncological conditions, further solidifying AIIMS Jammu’s position as a premier center for advanced cancer treatment in the region.
