Apollo Proton Cancer Centre (APCC) has performed a unique surgery of Elective Caesarean section and Robotic Assisted Radical Nephrectomy for a large left kidney tumour to save both the mother and child in the best possible manner. The surgery was performed on a 27-year-old doctor who had two concurrent conditions – a physiological condition of 32 weeks of pregnancy and a pathological condition, a large tumour (RCC) in the left kidney. The surgeon at Apollo Proton Cancer Centre said that it was for the first time in the world, that such a unique case has been reported and operated on.
Performing the surgical procedure with a multi-disciplinary team of specialists from OBG (Obstetrics and Gynecology), Neonatology, Surgery and Anaesthesiology; a plan was devised to go for optimum anaesthesia to reduce the risk for the foetus and mother. The elective Caesarean section was done by Dr Meera Raghavan, Senior Consultant- Uro-Gynaecology, Apollo Proton Cancer Centre under Spinal Anaesthesia, immediately followed by General Anaesthesia for a Robotic Left Nephrectomy in the same sitting. The surgery to remove the tumour was performed by Dr N Raghavan, Senior Consultant, Urologist & Robotic Surgeon, Apollo Proton Cancer Centre.
The foetal growth in the uterus was optimised pre-operatively by the obstetrician to schedule the timing of cancer surgery within a one month period of the detection of the tumour. The doctors used a Single skin incision to deliver the baby and the tumour. The advancements at the Apollo Proton Cancer Centre helped the team to perform robotic surgery thus enabling early recovery and mobilisation of the patient. As a result, the patient was able to feed the new born from the very next day after surgery.
Dr N Raghavan, Senior Consultant, Urologist & Robotic Surgeon, Apollo Proton Cancer Centre, said, “The case was challenging enough as the two sides involved needed different and unique approach to address the issue. It was mandatory to keep the child safe and healthy along with treatment of the tumour in the left kidney of the patient. Our planned approach yielded positive results and we were able to do both treatments simultaneously to save two lives. I believe that each case we attend to, needs special devotion and willingness to do our best and help patients to recover quickly.”
Dr Meera Raghavan, Senior Consultant, Urology Gynaecology, Apollo Proton Cancer Centre, said, “This unique and rare case was one of the most challenging treatments we had to do to save not one but two lives simultaneously. Once we diagnosed the issue, a detailed chat with the patient gave us a better understanding of how crucial it was for us to plan a unique treatment for her and her child. The discussions went underway with the multi-disciplinary team comprising of Anaesthesiologist, Gynaecologist, Surgeon and Neonatologist. The mindful approach and right timing with advanced techniques led to successful surgeries. The birth of a healthy child along with removal of the tumour within few hours was challenging yet successful.”
On the occasion, Mr Harish Trivedi, Chief Executive Officer, Apollo Proton Cancer Centre said, “In line with our mission to treat every patient with ‘Tender Loving Care’ and advanced treatments ensuring better recovery, I am proud of the dedicated team who saved two lives. I would also like to thank the patient for placing her faith and trust in Apollo Proton Cancer Centre. Every treatment at APCC is planned and perfected to provide better quality of life to our patients. We wish the best of life to the new child and mother.”
Sharing her experience on the treatment received, Dr. Divya Dharshini said, “Becoming a mother is a dream come true for every woman. I was bestowed with this gift but this complication really challenged me and my family. I am very truly thankful to the Apollo Proton Cancer Centre team for their constant care and attention to give me and my child a healthy life. This treatment has given us a chance to live a happy and healthy life.”
