New Delhi: In a landmark achievement for public healthcare, doctors at Safdarjung Hospital have successfully removed a massive 18.2 x 13.5 cm adrenal tumour from a 36-year-old woman using robot-assisted minimally invasive surgery, setting what is believed to be a global record for the largest adrenal tumour removed robotically.
The complex robotic adrenalectomy was performed entirely free of cost at the government-run facility, while similar surgeries in private hospitals typically range between Rs. 1.8 lakh and Rs. 5 lakh.
The patient had been suffering from persistent abdominal pain for several months, but the underlying condition remained undiagnosed until imaging at Safdarjung revealed the presence of a large tumour.
A Precision-Driven Procedure with Faster Recovery
The three-hour surgery was led by Dr. Pawan Vasudeva, Professor and Head of the Department of Urology and Renal Transplant. “The tumour had expanded to the size of a melon and was positioned between the liver, kidney, and inferior vena cava, exerting pressure on these vital organs,” he said.
“Traditionally, such cases would require open surgery with 20cm incisions, significant blood loss, and nearly three weeks of recovery. However, the robotic procedure required only 8cm incisions, significantly reducing postoperative pain and enabling the patient to recover within a week,” Dr. Vasudeva added.
The successful procedure demonstrates the growing capabilities of robotic-assisted surgeries in government hospitals and highlights the potential of minimally invasive technology in treating rare and complex conditions