Apollo Cancer Centre, successfully executed a groundbreaking robot-assisted surgery to remove a massive 1.13 kg adrenal tumour from a 49-year-old patient. The non-cancerous tumour, known as myelolipoma, measured 18 cm and was significantly larger than typical adrenal tumours, which usually measure 5 to 7 cm.
The healthcare provider in a press statement on Monday informed that the complex procedure was led by Ragavan N, Senior Consultant in Uro-Oncology, and his team using the da Vinci Xi robotic platform by Intuitive. The tumour’s unusual size and location—encroaching behind the right kidney and compressing the Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) and a portion of the liver—presented substantial surgical challenges.
Ragavan N explained, “Handling such a large tumour in open surgery could pose significant risks, including potential rupture and metastasis, especially if malignancy was present. The decision to use robot-assisted surgery was crucial, as the da Vinci system’s precision and stability allowed us to safely remove the tumor without rupture, minimising risks.”
The patient, who had a high BMI of 110 kg, expressed profound gratitude for the successful surgery. “I’m incredibly thankful to Ragavan N and the Apollo Cancer Centre team for their expertise and care. The robot-assisted surgery allowed me to recover quickly and return to my normal life sooner than expected.”
Ragavan N further highlighted the advantages of robot-assisted surgery, noting that the minimally invasive approach, with its 3D vision and precision, was vital for navigating the challenges posed by the tumour’s size and location. The robot-assisted method not only reduced the incision size—avoiding a large 25-30 cm cut required in open surgery—but also improved the accuracy of locating and handling critical structures, thereby enhancing patient outcomes and reducing recovery time.
