Kolkata: In a remarkable demonstration of surgical expertise and coordinated multidisciplinary care, Manipal Hospital, Saltlake successfully performed a 10-hour-long, high-risk surgery on a 60-year-old woman suffering from advanced ovarian cancer, achieving zero residual disease — a benchmark outcome in cancer care.
The patient, Rina Ganguly (name changed for privacy), had been diagnosed with stage IV ovarian cancer. Her condition was complicated by the extensive spread of cancer across her abdominal cavity and to the chest lymph nodes, making the case highly complex and life-threatening. Ovarian cancer, often referred to as the “silent killer,” is the third most common cancer among Indian women and is frequently diagnosed at a late stage due to minimal or vague early symptoms.
The surgical team, led by Dr. Arunava Roy, Consultant, Gynaecologic Onco-Surgery, included Dr. Arunashis Mallick and Dr. Neha Agarwal. They were supported by a robust team of anaesthetists, ICU specialists, and nurses, who ensured optimal intraoperative and postoperative care. After thorough evaluation and anaesthesia clearance, the team opted for an upfront radical surgery, prioritizing complete cytoreduction — the removal of all visible tumour tissue — as the only way to improve the patient’s survival.
The surgery involved:
- Lymph node dissection from the chest
- Diaphragmatic stripping
- Pelvic and abdominal peritonectomy (removal of cancer-infected abdominal lining)
- Recto-sigmoid resection with anastomosis (to maintain bowel continuity)
- Total omentectomy (removal of the fatty apron-like tissue in the abdomen)
- Removal of tumour nodules from bowel surfaces, bladder, uterus, ovaries and mesentery
- Excision of the right cardiophrenic node near the diaphragm
Despite the complexity and extensive nature of the procedures — which began at 8 AM and concluded by 6 PM — the surgery was performed with minimal blood loss, requiring only one unit of blood transfusion. The anaesthesia team kept the patient stable throughout the operation. Post-surgery, she was shifted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and then moved to the High Dependency Unit (HDU) within 48 hours.
Her recovery was as impressive as the surgery itself. Within six days, the patient could walk, bathe, eat a regular diet, and use the washroom independently. She was discharged in stable condition, free of complications, and with no visible trace of disease.
Speaking about the success, Dr. Arunava Roy said,
“This was a particularly challenging case of advanced ovarian cancer. Our objective was to ensure zero residual disease — surgically removing every visible trace of cancer, no matter where it is. These surgeries demand meticulous planning, surgical precision and coordinated teamwork. I am proud of our team at Manipal Hospital, Saltlake, for delivering an outstanding clinical outcome with minimal blood loss and excellent postoperative recovery.”
This achievement not only showcases the surgical skill and precision of Manipal Hospital, Saltlake but also underscores the hospital’s commitment to world-class oncology care through a holistic, multidisciplinary approach. It offers new hope for patients battling late-stage cancers with complex presentations.
