Doctors at KIMS Hospital, Seethammadhara, have successfully treated an eight-year-old girl diagnosed with a rare pancreatic tumor, showcasing their expertise in advanced minimally invasive surgery. Dr. Muralidhar Nambada, Chief Consultant – Gastrointestinal, Hepato-Biliary, and Pancreatic Surgery, shared insights into this remarkable case.
Early Diagnosis of a Rare Tumor
An eight-year-old girl from Visakhapatnam arrived at the hospital with severe abdominal pain. After an Endoscopic Ultrasound performed by Gastroenterology Chief Dr. Achanta Chalapathi Rao, the medical team identified a very rare tumor called Solid Pseudopapillary Epithelial Neoplasm (SPEN). This diagnosis made her the youngest patient in India to undergo surgery for this condition. Although SPEN generally has a low tendency to turn cancerous, its potential risks and the likelihood of future complications prompted the team to opt for surgical removal.
Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery with High Precision
As per the press release, the team performed a laparoscopic central pancreatectomy—also known as keyhole surgery—lasting three hours. They ensured minimal blood loss and preserved as much healthy pancreatic tissue as possible while fully removing the tumor. As a result of the minimally invasive approach, the child recovered rapidly after the procedure.
Rapid Recovery and Return to Normal Life
The young patient showed excellent postoperative recovery. Because she experienced no complications, the team discharged her within five days. She has since returned to school and is performing well in both academics and sports, reflecting the success of the timely intervention.
A Testament to Surgical Expertise
According to Dr. Muralidhar Nambada, this case highlights the advanced skills required to treat rare pancreatic tumors. Although such tumors are extremely uncommon, the hospital has diagnosed and treated 12 similar cases over the past decade. He emphasized that early detection and exceptional surgical expertise are essential in managing these conditions.
Strengthening Regional Access to Advanced Care
KIMS Hospital continues to deliver safe and effective outcomes even in highly complex cases. As Dr. Nambada noted, people in the Uttarandhra region no longer need to travel to larger cities for advanced surgical treatments. This successful surgery further reinforces the hospital’s leadership in keyhole surgery for both children and adults.
The surgical team also included Dr. Ravi Chandra Reddy and Dr. Gopala Krishna, whose contributions were vital to the success of the procedure.