In a remarkable demonstration of advanced surgical care, a team led by Dr. Prashanth Rao at Gleneagles Hospital successfully treated a 30-year-old woman from Kenya diagnosed with a rare hormone-secreting paraganglioma. Notably, this tumour caused severe and unpredictable spikes in blood pressure, which remained uncontrolled despite multiple medications. Furthermore, its location deep within the abdomen—close to the kidney and major blood vessels—made the case highly complex.
However, with the help of robotic-assisted surgery, the team precisely removed the tumour. As a result, the patient achieved stable blood pressure levels without the need for ongoing medication.
A Long Struggle with Uncontrolled Hypertension
The patient, Karkeh Rophina, had been battling persistently high blood pressure for several years. Despite continuous treatment, her condition failed to improve, leaving her physically exhausted and emotionally distressed. Even routine daily activities became challenging.
Consequently, as her condition worsened, she and her family began exploring advanced treatment options. Eventually, they chose Gleneagles Hospital in Mumbai, hoping for a definitive solution.
Diagnosis Reveals a Rare and Dangerous Condition
Upon her arrival in March 2026, doctors identified severely uncontrolled hypertension that posed a serious threat to her health. Earlier imaging had revealed a tumour in the left retroperitoneal region, located between the kidney and the aorta.
Doctors diagnosed it as a paraganglioma—a rare tumour occurring in approximately one in a million individuals. Importantly, such tumours can secrete hormones that dangerously elevate blood pressure. If left untreated, this condition can lead to life-threatening complications, including heart disease, stroke, and organ damage.
Complex Case Managed with Multidisciplinary Expertise
Given the tumour’s challenging location—surrounded by critical structures such as the aorta, renal vein, and artery—the case required meticulous planning. Therefore, the team adopted a multidisciplinary approach involving endocrinologists, anaesthetists, and urologists.
Before surgery, specialists worked to stabilize the patient’s blood pressure. During the procedure, anaesthetists carefully managed sudden fluctuations, while urologists ensured the kidney remained unharmed.
Precision of Robotic-Assisted Surgery
To achieve optimal outcomes, the team opted for robotic-assisted surgery. This minimally invasive approach provided enhanced precision and control, enabling safe removal of the tumour. Additionally, it reduced surgical stress on the patient’s body and supported faster recovery.
Following the procedure, the patient’s blood pressure normalized completely without medication—marking a significant clinical success.
A New Lease on Life for the Patient
Reflecting on her journey, Karkeh Rophina shared that she had struggled for years without understanding the cause of her condition. Although travelling abroad for treatment was challenging, she remained determined to find a solution.
After surgery, she experienced a smooth recovery and significant improvement in her health. She expressed gratitude to the medical team for restoring her well-being and giving her a second chance at life.
Commitment to Advanced, Patient-Centric Care
According to Dr. Bipin Chevale, this case highlights the hospital’s commitment to delivering advanced, patient-centric care through cutting-edge technology and collaborative expertise.
Ultimately, this successful intervention not only treated a rare and life-threatening condition but also restored the patient’s confidence, independence, and quality of life—reinforcing the importance of timely diagnosis, innovation, and teamwork in modern healthcare.