Ahmedabad doctor performs first-of-its-kind robotic-assisted surgery to save 60-year-old woman with rare abdominal cancer
- A team led by Dr. Nitin Singhal removed the 8 cm long tumor from a sensitive area behind the abdominal cavity by using advanced da Vinci robotic technology.
- The tumor was in a challenging location, making removal difficult. However, robotic-assisted surgery minimized surgical trauma, reduced blood loss, and enabled a faster recovery.
- It is the first robotic-assisted surgery of this scope to be performed in Western India
Ahmedabad, 3rd April, 2025: A team of Doctors led by renowned surgical oncologist from Ahmedabad, Dr Nitin Singhal, successfully performed a rare and complex cancer surgery, removing a malignant tumor from the retroperitoneum—an area behind the abdominal cavity that houses critical organs such as the duodenum, pancreas, major blood vessels (aorta, inferior vena cava), kidneys, and ureters. The procedure demonstrated the advancements in surgical oncology and the potential of robotic-assisted procedures in complex cases.
The patient, a 60-year-old woman had been experiencing persistent abdominal pain and underwent diagnostic tests, including a CT scan. The results revealed an 8 cm tumor which was in a highly complex location, wrapped around the body’s largest vein (IVC) and close to the small intestine. It was also stuck to the tube carrying urine from the kidney (right ureter) and surrounded the vein supplying blood to the ovary (right gonadal vein).
Despite the challenging location, the high risk of severe bleeding, and the rarity of using minimally invasive techniques for such cases, doctors opted for a robotic-assisted approach. “This decision aimed to minimize surgical trauma and recovery time, especially considering the patient’s uncontrolled diabetes and history of a complicated laparotomy for a C-section, which had led to significant abdominal scarring and bowel adhesions,” said Dr. Nitin Singhal.
The surgical team used advanced da Vinci technology to effectively remove the tumor from the urine tube (ureter) and small intestine without damage. A small tear in the body’s largest vein (IVC) was quickly sutured using robotic assistance, and blood loss was minimal. Tests further confirmed the tumor was leiomyosarcoma, a high-grade cancer in the abdominal area.
Speaking about the procedure, Dr. Nitin Singhal said, “The patient was discharged on day three itself, which is remarkable for a major surgery like this. With such a fast recovery, the patient did not have to wait at all. She was back on chemotherapy within three weeks. In any carcinoma case, it is crucial to remove the tumor early and start chemotherapy as soon as possible. This approach significantly improves the chances of a long-term positive outcome.”
This case was exceptionally rare due to the tumor’s nature and location. Dr. Nitin Singhal noted that such cases are extremely uncommon and that this is the first surgery of its kind in Western India. Globally, very few robotic-assisted surgeries have been done for abdominal wall tumors of this size.
The patient expressed her gratitude, stating, “I am incredibly thankful to Dr. Nitin Singhal and the entire surgical team. Their expertise and advanced treatment approach gave me the confidence to undergo the procedure, and I am relieved to have resumed chemotherapy without delay.”
With advanced robotic technology and surgical expertise, Dr. Singhal affirms that even high-risk patients can undergo robotic-assisted surgery with faster recovery, reduced pain, and minimal scarring. He also emphasized the importance of timely diagnosis and treatment, adding, “This case underscores the need for awareness about rare cancers and the importance of rapid intervention. By ensuring a swift transition from surgery to chemotherapy, we can offer patients the best chance at long-term survival.”
