Fortis Hospital Bannerghatta Road Achieves Remarkable Feat in Paediatric Oncology with Successful Treatment of Tanzanian Youngster

Bengaluru, November 14, 2023:  In a landmark case, a 13-year-old girl from Tanzania received lifesaving treatment for complex colon cancer at Fortis Hospital Bannerghatta Road. Despite her young age, this resilient young girl had been on a year-long medical journey, encountering various challenges throughout her treatment. A multidisciplinary team of medical experts under the guidance of Dr. Sandeep Nayak, Director – Department of Surgical Oncology & Robotic & Laparoscopic Surgery, came together to provide comprehensive and personalized care to this young patient and effectively managed what is considered an exceptionally rare occurrence of gastrointestinal cancer in children.

A year ago, back in her hometown of Tanzania, Patent Shafina (Name changed) a known

case of chronic anaemia began experiencing intermittent constipation, abdominal pain, and changes in stool patterns. She sought medical consultation locally, however, owing to her history of chronic anemia, doctors initially explored common causes of anemia for her age group and subsequently performed an endoscopy to examine her internal organs which led to inconclusive diagnosis in Tanzania.

There wasn’t any improvement in the patients’ medical condition. Thus, to seek a second opinion her parents visited Fortis Bannerghatta, Bangalore. After a comprehensive evaluation, she was diagnosed with Villous Adenoma of the Ascending Colon with High-Grade Dysplasia. This condition involves a significantly abnormal tumor growth in the large intestine on the right side of the abdomen, with an extremely high risk of developing into cancer. Due to the rare and high-risk nature of the condition, a pediatrician was consulted to assess the girl’s fitness for surgery, and she was advised to undergo a Laparoscopic Right Hemicolectomy.

Detailing the treatment process, Dr. Sandeep P Nayak, Director – Department of Surgical Oncology & Robotic & Laparoscopic Surgery at Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road, Bengaluru, explained “We have treated 1000’s of colorectal cancers of adults, however, treating such a young patient for colon cancer is extremely rare. Considering all her underlying medical conditions, the team performed a Laparoscopic Right Hemicolectomy which involved intricate surgical steps. The procedure involves removal of involved colon along with healthy intestine and lymph nodes. We performed this procedure using 4K laparoscopic technology which uses very small wounds and gives better outcome than open surgery.  Our procedure not only removed the tumor but also aimed to sustain the patient’s quality of life.”

Further highlighting the hospital’s patient-first approach, Dr. Bharath G, Consultant Surgical Oncology, Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta, added, “Early detection allowed us to perform the surgery effectively. For the same reason we could avoid chemotherapy. Avoiding chemotherapy preserved Shafina’s fertility and reducing the risk of long-term complications. Importantly, the minimally invasive procedure resulted in minimal scarring, ensuring the patient’s long-term well-being.”

The delicate operation culminated in success, with Shafina making a swift recovery and being discharged within four days, marking a significant victory for pediatric cancer care.

Mr. Akshay Oleti, Business Head of Fortis Hospitals, Bengaluru, said, “While we are humbled to have played a role in the little girl’s recovery, this case serves as a reminder of the critical importance of genetic screening and periodic check-ups for children to detect colon cancer early. The success of this intricate procedure truly underscores the proficiency of our medical team, who worked seamlessly to secure a bright future for this young girl and reignite hope for her family. At Fortis Bannerghatta, we remain committed to providing world-class healthcare and making a positive impact on the lives of our patients.”

Corporate Comm India (CCI Newswire)