In a high-risk surgical achievement, doctors at SRM Prime Hospital in Chennai successfully removed a massive 2.8kg spleen from a 23-year-old woman hailing from Bihar. The young homemaker had been experiencing persistent fatigue and weakness for several months. Medical investigations in Bihar revealed abnormalities involving her liver and spleen, prompting doctors to refer her to SRM Prime Hospital in Chennai for specialized care.
Rare Medical Condition
Evaluation at the city hospital uncovered a combination of non-cirrhotic portal fibrosis and hypersplenism. Non-cirrhotic portal fibrosis is a condition where the blood vessels supplying the liver become scarred and narrowed without actual cirrhosis. Hypersplenism occurs when an enlarged spleen becomes overactive and destroys blood cells. Doctors stated that the condition had severely affected her blood counts and overall health.
Complex Surgical Procedure
The medical team performed a laparoscopic-assisted splenectomy, which allowed the patient to recover with minimal surgical trauma. She was able to return home within five days of the procedure. Dr R V Sugi Subramaniam, senior consultant, explained the challenges: "Abnormal enlargement of the spleen associated with non-cirrhotic portal fibrosis is rare and surgically demanding. The enlarged spleen, coupled with portal hypertension and extremely low blood counts, significantly increased the risk of complications. The distorted anatomy and fragile blood vessels made the procedure particularly challenging."
Successful Recovery
Despite the complexity, the surgery was successful, and the patient is now on a path to recovery. This case highlights the importance of early diagnosis and advanced surgical techniques in managing rare medical conditions. The hospital continues to provide comprehensive care for such high-risk patients.
