Surgical Oncologists at Yashoda Hospital successfully treated advanced-stage laryngeal cancer with artificial voice prosthesis and gave a new lease of life to the patient.

 Deputy Mayor of Addis Abeba (Ethiopia) successfully survived advanced laryngeal cancer after three major surgeries under the supervision of Surgical Oncologists at Yashoda Hospitals and lives as a testimony that cancer can be cured with early diagnosis, accurate treatment, and a massive dose of emotional support.

Mr. Ludciged, Deputy Mayor of Ethiopia, was diagnosed with advanced throat cancer and admitted to Yashoda Hospitals in Hyderabad. Four months ago, he experienced unusual and persistent coughing and was unable to speak or breathe. Dr. Sachin Marda, Sr. Consultant Oncologist & Robotic Surgeon (Cancer Specialist), and his team recommended laryngectomy, a surgical procedure in which the larynx is completely removed and the airway is blocked. Mr. Ludciged’s condition was critical, and he was choking for breath and unable to walk properly.

Dr. Sachin Marda, Sr. Consultant Oncologist & Robotic Surgeon (Cancer Specialist), Yashoda Hospitals, Hyderabad, said, “Diagnosis and finding the right treatment are always more critical and time-consuming than the treatment itself. Mr.Ludciged was diagnosed with advanced laryngeal cancer. Despite chemotherapy and radiation the patient received in Ethiopia, cancer returned, and he went to Yashoda Hospital for more advanced treatment.”  

“We consecutively started Mr. Ludciged’s treatment with total Laryngectomy Flap Reconstruction and Provox Prosthesis which is advanced Voice Rehabilitation. When we removed the larynx patient could not communicate. So we implemented artificial prostheses in the place of the larynx through which the patient could speak,” said Dr. Marda while speaking about the unconventional treatment procedure.

“Unfortunately, he developed massive cardiac pulmonary thromboembolism during the postoperative period. Our cardiac team stepped in and saved his life in this critical situation. The third issue we faced was an infection and necrosis as a result of the previous chemotherapy and radiation. We had to plan flap surgery to cure the infection. So, we saved him from three near-death experiences. Mr. Ludciged triumphed after the planned advanced surgery, with regular follow-up and a lot of perseverance,” added, Dr. Marda.

Speaking on the procedure Dr. Rohith P Reddy, Consultant Interventional Cardiologist, Yashoda Hospitals, said, “Mr. Ludciged, a case of ca larynx post-surgery, developed tachycardia during the post-op period. The ECG revealed sinus tachycardia, and the echo was normal. A CT pulmonary angiography revealed that the patient had pulmonary thromboembolism. He was started on low molecular weight anticoagulation because he was hemodynamically stable. Heparin was continued for 4 weeks with minimal interruption during fistula closure surgery, and a repeat CT before discharge revealed significant thrombus resolution. Because this was a case of provoked PTE, he was supposed to be anti-coagulated for 3 to 6 months before being reassessed.”

Mr. Ludciged’s relative expressed, “Dr. Sachin Marda and team gave us enormous positivity and hope. It was difficult, but we found solace in the safe treatment and counselling provided by doctors and nurses at Yashoda Hospitals, who kept a close eye on us every day. We were here for four months for treatment. During treatment, the medical team and hospital staff are extremely helpful. We are grateful for everyone’s help.”