AIIMS Jodhpur Surgeons Remove 20.8 kg Giant Tumour in Rare Surgery
In a remarkable medical achievement, doctors at AIIMS Jodhpur have successfully removed a giant retroperitoneal tumour weighing 20.8 kg from a 59-year-old morbidly obese patient. The highly complex surgery lasted over eight hours and is considered one of the largest such tumours reported in India and worldwide.
Surgery Details
The tumour, measuring 44×37×24 cm, was identified as a retroperitoneal liposarcoma, a rare cancer originating from fatty tissues in the abdomen. The patient, weighing 160 kg, was admitted to the Department of General Surgery with complaints of abdominal fullness and persistent pain for nearly a year. After detailed clinical evaluation and imaging studies, doctors diagnosed the giant tumour.
The surgery, performed on May 29 by a multidisciplinary team, lasted approximately eight hours and 30 minutes. During the operation, surgeons found the tumour extensively adherent to the patient’s right kidney and surrounding structures. To ensure complete removal of the visible tumour tissue, the team removed the kidney along with the tumour.
Challenges Faced
Dr Satya Prakash Meena, who led the surgical team, stated, “The patient's extreme obesity, the enormous size of the tumour and its close relationship with vital structures made the surgery exceptionally challenging. Despite these complexities, the multidisciplinary team successfully completed the procedure.” He added that the patient is stable, recovering well, and has already started mobilising after surgery.
Significance of the Case
Based on a review of published medical literature through the PubMed database, the team noted that this tumour appears to be the largest and heaviest retroperitoneal liposarcoma removed and reported from Rajasthan. It is also considered the third largest reported in India by dimensions and among the heaviest documented nationally. In global medical literature, the case is estimated to rank among the 15 largest retroperitoneal liposarcomas reported worldwide.
Warning About Silent Tumours
Doctors emphasised that retroperitoneal tumours often grow silently and may not cause symptoms until they become very large. They warned that morbid obesity can mask such tumours, as progressive abdominal enlargement is frequently mistaken for weight gain, delaying diagnosis and treatment. This case highlights the importance of timely medical evaluation for persistent abdominal symptoms.
