In a remarkable medical achievement that has drawn statewide and national attention, doctors at AIIMS Patna have successfully removed a 3.1 kilogram spleen from a six-year-old child suffering from Gaucher’s Disease, a rare genetic disorder. The surgery is being hailed as one of the largest spleen removals reported in a child of this age in India, marking a major milestone in paediatric healthcare.
The young boy, weighing just 18 kilograms, had been experiencing severe abdominal swelling and recurrent infections for months. Medical examinations revealed that his spleen had caused his abdomen to enlarge significantly, growing to a massive 30 x 20 cm—posing life-threatening complications and affecting his overall growth and immunity.
The complex surgery was performed by the Paediatric Surgery Department under the leadership of Dr Amit Kumar and Dr Amit Kumar Sinha, supported by a skilled surgical team including Dr Rashi, Dr Digamber, Dr Gaurav, and Dr Saurav. The Anaesthesia team led by Dr Neeraj Kumar ensured the child’s stability throughout the delicate procedure, while Paediatric specialist Dr Pratap Patra oversaw pre-operative and post-operative care.
Doctors explained that the child was suffering from Gaucher’s Disease, caused by the deficiency of an enzyme that leads to the accumulation of fatty substances in organs like the spleen and liver. In this case, the spleen had grown so large that it began compressing other organs and hindering normal physical development. Surgery became the only viable life-saving option.
Despite the high-risk nature of the operation due to the child’s age and organ size, the team carried out the splenectomy without complications. The child has since shown steady recovery and was discharged in stable condition—bringing immense relief to his family.
Hospital officials say this success showcases the growing expertise, advanced facilities, and evolving capabilities of AIIMS Patna, especially in specialised paediatric care. The achievement is being seen as a symbol of increasing medical trust and accessibility in Bihar, reducing the need for families to travel outside the state for complex surgeries.
Doctors expressed hope that this milestone will encourage early diagnosis and awareness of rare childhood disorders like Gaucher’s Disease and reinforce the belief that world-class treatment is now within reach for families in the region.
