In a remarkable display of medical expertise and patient resilience at Jaslok Hospital & Research Centre, an 85-year-old woman has made a full recovery after undergoing a complex surgery for ovarian cancer.

Mrs. Savitri Agarwal was initially diagnosed through a CT Scan with an ovarian mass two months prior, when her grandson brought her to Dr Vishnu Agarwal. While surgery was recommended, the family grappled with the decision due to Mrs. Savitri’s advanced age and the associated risks. Unfortunately, Mrs. Savitri’s condition deteriorated rapidly. A month later, she was admitted to Jaslok Hospital with severe vomiting, abdominal pain, and intestinal blockage caused by the growing tumour. Her condition was critical, leaving her with a life expectancy of mere weeks if left untreated.

CT scan showed that the ovarian mass has blocked the intestine and she was not passing stool and everything was coming out in vomiting and abdomen was bloated not only because of mass but also because of intestinal obstruction. After extensive discussion with relatives Dr Vishnu Agarwal, along with Dr Vivek Shetty and a skilled medical team, made the courageous decision to operate despite the significant risks posed by Mrs. Savitri’s age, frailty, and the complexity of the surgery. The extensive cytoreductive surgery involved removing the large ovarian mass, which was firmly attached to surrounding organs, necessitating the removal of part of her colon and spleen.

The seven-hour surgery was a success, with Mrs. Savitri tolerating the procedure well and experiencing no complications. Under the expert postoperative care of Dr Shruti Tandon, intensivist at Jaslok Hospital, Mrs. Agarwal recovered swiftly. She was transferred from the ICU to the ward within two days, began walking the next day, and was discharged within a week. Today, Mrs. Agarwal is living a normal life, enjoying a full diet and engaging in her daily activities. This case underscores the importance of clinical expertise, timely intervention, even in elderly patients, when surgery offers a chance of cure.

Dr. Vishnu Agarwal, Consultant Surgical Oncology & Robotic Surgery at Jaslok Hospital emphasizes, “Age should never be a barrier to life-saving treatment. While Mrs. Savitri’s case presented significant challenges, timely intervention offered her a chance to cure. This underscores that even in complex cases involving elderly patients, bold decisions and timely surgery can lead to full recoveries.”

“Upon receiving my diagnosis, I was nervous about the possibility of undergoing surgery at my age. However, Dr. Agarwal and the entire team at Jaslok Hospital instilled in me a sense of hope and confidence. Their compassion and unwavering dedication were truly remarkable. Thanks to their expertise, I am now able to enjoy life to the fullest with my loved ones. My message to others is this: never give up hope, regardless of your age.” shared Mrs. Savitri Agarwal

Dr. Milind Khadke, Director Medical Services at Jaslok Hospital, stated, “This case is a testament to the extraordinary strides in modern medical science and the resilience of our patients. Mrs. Savitri Agarwal’s successful recovery, despite her advanced age, highlights our hospital’s commitment to providing top-tier, comprehensive care for all our patients. Jaslok believed that age should not be a limiting factor in pursuing treatment when there’s an opportunity to improve quality of life. Our dedicated and well-trained team, coupled with quality nursing care and cutting-edge technology, is proud to be a part of her journey to recovery.