In a remarkable medical achievement, doctors successfully treated a rare and aggressive cancer in a young girl using advanced robotic surgery. The procedure was led by Dr Surender Kumar Dabas, Chairman of the Manipal Comprehensive Cancer Centre and Onco Robotic Surgeries at Manipal Hospitals.
The surgical team performed a robot-assisted operation to remove the affected portion of the stomach along with nearby lymph nodes, ensuring complete tumour removal while preserving critical surrounding structures.
Rare and High-Risk Cancer in Children
Doctors revealed that the cancer was located at the gastroesophageal (GE) junction, an extremely rare occurrence in pediatric patients.
According to Dr Dabas:
●Such cancers are difficult to diagnose early
●They can progress rapidly if left untreated
●There is a high risk of spread to nearby organs
This made timely intervention critical in saving the patient’s life.
Chemotherapy Played a Crucial Role
Before surgery, the patient underwent pre-surgery chemotherapy, which helped shrink the tumour and made it operable.
Dr Dabas noted that the child responded well to the treatment, allowing doctors to proceed with the complex robotic surgery with greater confidence and precision.
Power of Robotic Surgery
The use of robotic technology proved to be a game-changer in this delicate case.
Key advantages included:
●Greater surgical precision
●Enhanced 3D visualisation
●Minimal damage to surrounding tissues
●Faster recovery and better outcomes
The tumour was removed successfully while preserving vital parts of the digestive system—something extremely challenging in such cases.
Understanding the Aggressive Cancer Type
Dr Sayed Assif, Head of GI and Surgical Oncology, explained that the cancer was Signet ring cell carcinoma, a particularly aggressive form of gastrointestinal cancer.
He highlighted:
●The complexity of operating in the GE junction region
●The need to balance tumour removal with organ function preservation
●The importance of advanced surgical techniques in improving survival rates
A Story of Courage and Recovery
Doctors praised the young patient for her exceptional courage throughout the treatment journey. Post-surgery, she has shown encouraging recovery:
●Improved ability to eat
●Gradual regain of strength
●Stable condition under medical supervision
Her case stands as a powerful example of how modern medical advancements and timely care can overcome even the most challenging conditions.
