New Delhi, Jun 24: A 45-year-old Australian man suffering from recurrent rectal cancer underwent an advanced robotic surgery at a Delhi NCR hospital that enabled doctors to remove the tumour without making surgical cuts on the abdomen.
The procedure was performed at a Manesar hospital, using Robotic Transanal Minimally Invasive Surgery (TAMIS), a specialised organ-preserving technique used in select cases of early-stage rectal cancer.
The patient had been battling rectal cancer for the past 18 months and had undergone chemotherapy and radiation therapy in Australia.
While the tumour initially responded to treatment, it later showed signs of recurrence.
Doctors in Australia had advised surgery that would likely involve abdominal incisions and the use of a temporary stoma bag during recovery, said a statement from Fortis Hospital, where the robotic surgery was performed.
A temporary stoma is an opening, created surgically, on the abdomen to redirect stool into an external pouch for a limited period, which could vary from weeks to months depending upon the case.
The Australian patient subsequently travelled to India and consulted the colorectal cancer team at the hospital.
After evaluation, doctors determined that he was a suitable candidate for Robotic TAMIS, a minimally invasive procedure performed through the natural anal opening.
“We identified him as an ideal candidate for Robotic TAMIS, which enabled us to remove the tumour with exceptional precision through a minimally invasive approach, avoiding abdominal cuts and the need for an external bag,” Dr Vinay Samuel Gaikwad, senior director, Surgical Oncology, Fortis Hospital Manesar, said.
Gaikwad said the patient recovered well and was discharged within two days of the procedure.
The patient, identified as Samy, said he had been apprehensive about undergoing major surgery and using a temporary external bag.
“To undergo this advanced robotic surgery, have the tumour completely removed without a single cut on my abdomen, and be discharged in just two days feels like a miracle,” he said.
