Media Release
Udupi, December 13: In a remarkable medical feat, a team of experts at Kasturba Hospital, Manipal, successfully performed a complex surgery to remove a rare liver tumor, giving a new born baby a second chance at life.
The parents, residents of Chitradurga, were overjoyed when they conceived after a long journey battling infertility. However, their joy was short-lived when an antenatal scan revealed a rare liver tumor in their unborn baby. Seeking specialized care, they turned to Kasturba Hospital for treatment after the baby’s birth.
A thorough evaluation, including a CT scan and liver biopsy, confirmed the presence of Hepatoblastoma—a rare form of liver cancer—located in the right lobe of the baby’s liver. The medical team counselled the parents on the complexity of the required surgery and the associated risks. At just four months old, the baby underwent a successful liver tumor resection performed by the hospital's expert paediatric surgical team, led by Dr Vijay Kumar, professor and head of paediatric surgery. The team included Dr Santhosh Prabhu, Dr Sundeep PT, Dr Nitin Pai, and Dr Ranjini. The intricate procedure was supported by the hospital’s anaesthesiology team, led by Dr Malavika and Dr Vasudev Bhat, professor and head of paediatric oncology, played a crucial role in evaluating the baby and guiding treatment planning.
Speaking about the ground breaking surgery, Dr Vijay Kumar remarked, “Antenatally diagnosed liver tumours like Hepatoblastoma are extremely rare, with only 14 cases reported worldwide in medical literature. Surgical removal of such tumours is always complex, and the challenges are amplified when it involves a new born. Successfully performing this surgery required not only an experienced surgical team but also expert anaesthetists, oncologists, advanced instrumentation, and excellent hospital infrastructure. We are delighted to see the baby recover well, bringing smiles back to the parents’ faces.”
Expressing his pride in the team, Dr Avinash Shetty, medical superintendent of Kasturba Hospital, said, “This case is a testament to the hospital’s commitment to providing world-class medical care. Our expert doctors have truly given a new lease of life to the baby and immense hope to the parents. It serves as a ray of hope for families in this region and beyond.”
The baby has made a remarkable recovery, showcasing the extraordinary expertise and dedication of the Kasturba Hospital team in handling rare and complex medical conditions.