Wockhardt Hospitals Achieves Medical Milestone: Successful Removal of Record-Breaking 8.5 kg Spleen

 

Mumbai: In a remarkable medical achievement, a team led by Dr. Imran Shaikh, Consultant GI & HPB Surgeon at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road, successfully removed an enlarged spleen measuring 3 feet by 1.5 feet and weighing 8.5 kilograms from the abdomen of a 37-year-old man from Bhayandar. This surgical feat has provided the patient, Rajkumar Tiwari, with much-needed relief from symptoms that had plagued him for 17 years.

Mr. Tiwari's ordeal began at the age of 18, when he experienced severe pain in the left side of his upper abdomen. Despite consulting numerous doctors, his condition remained undiagnosed, and his health deteriorated as his spleen continued to enlarge. The massive spleen caused symptoms such as abdominal tightness, vomiting, and hypersplenism, which resulted in a dangerously low count of healthy blood cells. Unable to carry out daily activities, Mr. Tiwari’s quality of life severely declined. Referred to Wockhardt Hospitals by his family physician, Mr. Tiwari finally received a diagnosis of splenomegaly. Upon arrival, he was weak, tired, and jaundiced, suffering from aggravated symptoms over the past month. Dr. Imran Shaikh and his team conducted thorough clinical examinations, blood investigations, and a CT scan to confirm the diagnosis.

The surgery, an exploratory laparotomy with splenectomy, was complicated by Mr. Tiwari's condition. His extremely low platelet count made the operation risky, posing a high risk of life-threatening bleeding. To mitigate this, Dr. Shaikh performed abdominal angiography and embolization of the splenic artery to block the main blood supply to the spleen, reducing the risk of blood product destruction.

During the six-hour surgery, the team successfully separated the spleen from the intestines, pancreas, diaphragm, and stomach. The spleen, measuring 90 cm, was removed without any intraoperative or postoperative complications. Post-surgery, Mr. Tiwari’s recovery was swift, with his hemoglobin, platelet, and white blood cell counts returning to normal levels. He was discharged on the fifth postoperative day and has resumed his daily routine without any difficulties.

Dr. Pankaj Dhamija, Centre Head of Wockhardt Hospitals Mira Road, praised the seamless coordination between various departments and the use of cutting-edge technology that contributed to this successful outcome. He highlighted the hospital’s commitment to excellence and specialized care, which has established it as a trusted medical facility.

Reflecting on his journey, Mr. Tiwari expressed immense gratitude. "After 17 long years, the weight has been lifted off my shoulders. The constant pain and discomfort are now just a painful memory. I feel like a new person, ready to embrace life without physical limitations".

This successful surgery not only marks a significant milestone for Wockhardt Hospitals but also offers hope to many others suffering from similar conditions, showcasing the hospital’s dedication to improving lives through advanced medical care.