Doctors at Fortis Memorial Research Institute successfully performed a complex robotic surgery on a 48-year-old patient from Mauritius to remove a pancreatic tail tumor. A first of its kind surgery in the NCR region, the patient underwent a ‘robotic distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy’ to remove the tumor which was 4 centimeters in size. The surgery was performed by a team of doctors lead by Dr Niranjan Naik, Director Surgical Oncology, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram.

On presentation, a whole-body PET CT scan was conducted. It revealed that, in addition to large uterine fibroids (8 centimeters in size), there was a mass on the tail of the pancreas – an uncommon and rare occurrence. An endoscopic ultrasound guided needle biopsy confirmed that the tumor was benign. However, it had to be removed as it had the potential to become malignant tumor.

Dr, Niranjan Naik, Director Surgical Oncology, Fortis Memorial Research Institute said, “The surgery of the pancreatic tail tumor is one of the most complex robotic surgeries. Most patients who undergo this surgery are prone to developing complications. Up to 4 percent patients have the risk of mortality which is one of the highest in the world. We conducted two surgical procedures in the same general anesthesia in one sitting – a distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy and a total abdominal hysterectomy. Both the surgical procedures were managed robotically through few very small key holes. An open surgery would have required a long incision along the full length of the abdomen, with significant blood loss and longer recovery period. Our approach worked, and the patient has recovered well without any post-operative complications.”

Dr. Ritu Garg, Zonal Director, Fortis Memorial Research Institute said, “I am happy to share that the patient has recovered well, and there have been no post-operative complications. She has resumed her daily activities. By performing such a challenging surgery during this phase, our team of clinicians have displayed their commitment to patient centric care and clinical excellence. We will continue to do our best for our patients and ensure they receive the highest quality of medical care and attention.”

Pancreatic tumors can form within the head, body, and tail of the pancreas. Most of these tumors are malignant or have malignant potential. The symptoms of such tumors depend upon their size and location. While small tumors do not display any symptoms, large tumors can cause back pain and abdominal pain. The only way to treat such a tumor is to remove it through surgery. Surgery is the curative treatment, requiring no further treatment like chemotherapy or radiotherapy. So, management by a skilled team of surgeons with the expertise in the field makes the difference.