In a groundbreaking medical achievement, Aster MIMS, Calicut has successfully conducted the world’s first fully 3D keyhole surgery to remove a kidney tumor that had grown into the inferior venacava. The pioneering surgery, carried out by an expert medical team, marks a historic moment in the field of medical science.
The six-centimeter-sized tumor was extracted from the kidney of a 57-year-old resident of Kozhikode, V. Suresh, who sought treatment at the emergency department of Aster MIMS, Calicut, after experiencing bleeding through his urine. Under the guidance of Senior Consultant in the Urology Department, Dr. R. Surdas, a thorough examination revealed a tumor in the right kidney, with extensive blood flow due to intratumoral arteriovenous malformations. Further investigations unveiled a nine-centimeter-long tumor thrombus extending to the inferior vena cava upto level of diaphragm(right renal tumor with level 3 IVC thrombus)
Typically, cases of this nature undergo open abdominal surgery, a highly intricate procedure involving the main vein responsible for blood supply to vital internal organs. The surgery must be executed within a narrow timeframe to prevent severe damage to the liver and other organs. While robotic technology has been utilized in similar surgeries in India and China, there is no precedent globally for the complete removal of such a tumor laparoscopically with the aid of 3D technology.
The primary challenge before the surgery was to reduce blood flow to the tumor. Angioembolization was performed on the day of the operation by interventional radiologist, facilitating the complete removal of the tumor through keyhole surgery.
A further complication involved freeing the right lobe of liver from the venacava, followed by gaining control of the inferior venacava above the liver. This intricate procedure, performed entirely through keyhole surgery with the expertise of a gastrosurgeon, required precision to prevent tumor thrombus rupture and migration in the venacava, which could prove fatal. As a testament to the success of the complete keyhole surgery, Suresh experienced a swift recovery and was discharged from the hospital on the third day.
“It was decided to perform 3D laparoscopic surgery as a part of reducing complications and for early recovery,” said Dr. Surdas, Senior Consultant – Urology, Aster MIMS, Calicut.
Aster MIMS, Calicut’s groundbreaking achievement not only sets a new standard in medical innovation but also offers hope for patients facing similar challenges worldwide. The medical community looks forward to the continued advancement of technology and expertise in the pursuit of enhanced patient care and treatment options.
Apart from Dr.Surdas, Senior Consultant – Urology, Dr. Noushif .M Senior Consultant – Surgical Gastroenterology, Dr. KG Ramakrishnan Senior Consultant & Head – Clinical Imaging & Interventional Radiology, Dr. Ravikumar K and Dr. Abhay Anand (Senior Consultant department of urology). Dr. Alphons Philip (Senior Specialist),Dr.Sivakumar, Dr.Sanoop and Dr.Anuja . Dr. Kishore Kaniyanchalil Senior Consultant Department of Anesthesiology, Dr. Namitha Manjakkal,Dr. Shamjad and Dr. Dennis (consultants). Deepna, Jithin,Noyal (Staff nurses) were there as part of the surgery.
