Kauvery Hospital, Salem, once again demonstrated its clinical excellence by saving the life of a 60-year-old man who arrived in severe respiratory distress. Nearly a year earlier, the hospital’s Department of Pulmonology had evaluated him and identified a tumour completely blocking the left main bronchus, thereby preventing airflow to the left lung. However, despite medical advice, the patient did not continue treatment.
Approximately one year later, he returned with significantly worsened breathing difficulty and was in a critical, life-threatening state.
Tumour Progression Severely Narrows Central Airway
A repeat CT scan revealed alarming disease progression. The tumour had extended into the trachea and severely narrowed the central airway responsible for supplying air to both lungs. At this advanced stage, even a slight delay could have resulted in complete airway obstruction and respiratory failure.
Therefore, the medical team acted immediately.
Emergency Bronchoscopy Stabilizes the Patient
As an urgent measure, Dr. Ramachandran, Pulmonologist, performed a bronchoscopy to relieve the obstruction. However, the tumour was highly vascular, making complete removal through bronchoscopy extremely risky due to the possibility of massive bleeding into the only functioning lung—the right lung.
To prevent further deterioration, the team secured ventilation to the right lung under bronchoscopic guidance, thereby stabilizing the patient temporarily.
Multidisciplinary Team Opts for Definitive Surgery
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, a multidisciplinary team convened urgently. The team included Dr. Naveen Chandar and Dr. Niranjan (Cardiothoracic Surgeons), Dr. Rajkumar (Surgical Oncologist), and Dr. Ramachandran (Pulmonologist).
After careful deliberation, they unanimously decided that a Left Pneumonectomy—complete removal of the affected lung along with the tumour—offered the only definitive and life-saving solution.
High-Risk Surgery Demands Exceptional Precision
As per the press release, the surgery posed significant technical challenges. Because the tumour extensively involved the central airway, managing the airway during anaesthesia required extraordinary precision.
Dr. Saravana Kumar, Consultant Anaesthesiologist, led the anaesthesia team and carefully advanced the endotracheal tube beyond the narrow tumour margin. Even minimal trauma at this stage could have triggered catastrophic bleeding or complete airway collapse.
Subsequently, the surgical team meticulously removed the tumour segments extending into the central airway without opening the trachea. By employing advanced surgical techniques and maintaining exceptional precision, they successfully removed both the tumour and the left lung. Importantly, they preserved vital blood vessels, restored airway integrity, and avoided significant blood loss despite extensive disease involvement.
Swift Recovery and Successful Discharge
Following surgery, the patient showed immediate improvement in breathing. He continued to recover steadily under close monitoring and was later discharged in stable condition with marked clinical improvement.
A Testament to Advanced Airway and Thoracic Expertise
This complex case underscores the seamless coordination, technical expertise, and unwavering commitment to patient safety demonstrated by the team at Kauvery Hospital, Salem.
Furthermore, it reinforces the hospital’s reputation as a trusted centre for managing rare and highly complex airway and lung tumours, strengthening its leadership in advanced and emergency healthcare services.