Nagpur: In a remarkable achievement, AIIMS Nagpur successfully treated a 26-year-old MBBS student suffering from synovial cell sarcoma, a rare and aggressive cancer affecting the chest wall. The young patient, who hails from Bhopal, chose AIIMS Nagpur over other reputed centres for its specialised care and expertise.
The patient underwent a challenging procedure — right pneumonectomy (complete removal of the diseased lung). The surgery was performed under the leadership of Dr Neelesh Shrivastava, assistant professor, surgical oncology, and included a multidisciplinary team comprising Dr Jaykumar (surgical oncology), Dr Hemant Bawankar (CTVS), Dr Shubhada Khanapure (surgical oncology), and Dr Gajanan Chavan (anaesthesiology).
Speaking about the procedure, Dr Prashant Joshi, Executive Director of AIIMS Nagpur, stated, “This case demonstrates our commitment to excellence and teamwork. We aim to provide world-class treatment and compassionate care to patients from all walks of life.”
Synovial cell sarcoma is a rare and aggressive form of soft tissue cancer that commonly arises near the joints of the arms or legs, but in this case, it occurred in the chest wall — an even more uncommon presentation. This type of cancer accounts for only 5-10% of all soft tissue sarcomas, making it an exceptionally rare diagnosis. It often requires a combination of chemotherapy, surgery, and sometimes radiation for effective management.
The surgery performed at AIIMS Nagpur, a right pneumonectomy, involved the complete removal of the diseased lung. This procedure is highly intricate and demands exceptional surgical precision, especially when dealing with a cancer as aggressive as synovial cell sarcoma. The proximity of the tumour to vital organs, including the heart and major blood vessels, made the operation particularly challenging. Such surgeries not only demand skilled surgeons but also comprehensive post-operative care to manage complications as demonstrated in this case.
Post-surgery, the patient was monitored in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU) under the care of Dr Sucheta Meshram and her team. While the initial recovery was smooth, the patient experienced complications due to sepsis. The critical condition was managed effectively with antibiotics and advanced care, leading to a full recovery.
“This case showcases the importance of timely interventions and a coordinated medical approach,” said Dr Neelesh Shrivastava. “It’s heartening to see the patient recover completely and prepare for discharge.”
“The patient’s choice of AIIMS Nagpur reflects the trust in its state-of-the-art facilities and the expertise of its medical professionals. This success story highlights the institute’s ability to handle complex cases and reinforces its position as a leading healthcare provider,” said Dr Joshi.
