Bengaluru  — Fortis Hospital, Cunningham Road achieved an important milestone recently by treating a rare, complex cancers in a 56-year-old woman patient diagnosed simultaneously with colon and uterine cancer. A multidisciplinary team of specialists, under the guidance of Dr. Ganesh Shenoy and Dr. Rubina Shanawaz, conducted total laparoscopic hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, and Laparoscopic Left Colectomy as part of the surgery. This integrated approach using a minimally invasive procedure, not only reduced risks associated with multiple anaesthesia exposures but also streamlined the patient’s treatment journey.  In addition to tumour removal, it addressed potential malignancies in the colon and uterus, and paved the way for faster recovery in the patient.

Persistent abdominal pain and severe menstrual bleeding had significantly affected the patient’s quality of life. Seeking relief from her distressing symptoms, she sought medical assistance at Fortis Hospital Cunningham Road. Upon admission, a thorough examination revealed a rare dual case of endometrial and colonic tumours in the patient. A biopsy of the uterine lining was performed, indicating a high suspicion of malignancy due to excessively thickened uterine lining. Following a positive cancer diagnosis, a staging laparoscopy was conducted to evaluate the extent of cancer spread within the abdominal cavity. Subsequently, the patient underwent total laparoscopic hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (a surgical procedure involving the removal of both fallopian tubes (salpingectomy) and ovaries (oophorectomy) from a female patient) and Laparoscopic Left Colectomy. This integrated surgical approach was successfully carried out by a diverse team of specialists, including a Uro-Gynaecologist and a Gastroenterologist.

Elaborating on the procedure, Dr Ganesh Shenoy, Director – GI, Minimal Access, and Bariatric Surgery, Fortis Hospital, Cunningham Road, Bengaluru explained, “The tumour located on the left side of the patient’s colon, near the spleen, necessitated a Laparoscopic Left Colectomy. This surgical procedure focused on removing the affected portion of the colon where the tumour was located, helping to eradicate the cancerous tissue and prevent its spread to other organs. Opting for the minimally invasive laparoscopic approach, which utilises small incisions, facilitated a quick recovery process with reduced discomfort, ensuring faster healing and well-being.”

Dr Rubina Shanawaz Z, Senior Consultant – Uro-Gynaecology, Gynaec-Oncology, Laparoscopic & Robotic Surgery, Fortis Hospital, Cunningham Road, Bengaluru said, “The patient has several risk factors, including nulliparity (never having given birth to a child), comorbidities such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity, coupled with the significant suspicion of cancer. Our approach prioritized minimizing anaesthesia exposure. As the primary occurrence of two distinct cancers in a single patient is exceedingly rare – often indicative of metastasis (spread of cancer cells) – we leveraged the expertise of our multi-specialty team to address both conditions in a single anaesthesia session. This consolidated approach not only mitigated risks associated with multiple anaesthesia exposures but also streamlined the patient’s treatment journey. Subsequently, she underwent further tailored treatment for both cancer diagnoses, optimizing her care and prognosis.”

Post both surgeries, the patient initially stayed in the ICU on a ventilator but was later shifted to the ward in stable condition. She recovered well and was discharged after five days with an abdominal drain (a medical device in place to help remove excess fluid from the surgical site).

Mr. Akshay Oleti, Business Head, Fortis Hospitals, Bengaluru added, “We are pleased to have successfully treated this complex multi-speciality case using advanced medical technologies and minimally invasive procedures. We take immense pride in our dedicated team of surgical Gastroenterologists, Uro-Gynaecologists, and Anaesthesiologists, whose seamless collaboration played a crucial role in addressing the challenges presented by this case. At Fortis Hospital, Cunningham, our commitment to providing advanced and compassionate care remains steady and sustained.”