Media Release
Mangaluru, April 25: In a significant advancement in cancer surgery, K S Hegde Hospital, a premier centre for advanced cancer care in Mangaluru, has successfully performed three highly complex Carinal Resection Surgeries for lung cancer, reaffirming its commitment to cutting-edge medical innovation and excellence.
All three patients presented with severe breathing problems due to cancer involving the carina — the critical junction where the windpipe (trachea) splits into two main tubes — one going to each lung. Carinal resection is considered one of the most challenging operations in thoracic surgery due to its proximity to vital structures and the need for meticulous airway reconstruction under complex anaesthetic management.
“Carinal resections are among the most technically demanding procedures in thoracic cancer surgery. Performing even one such case requires immense planning, precision, and multidisciplinary expertise. Successfully completing three cases in a short span is a proud moment for our team and a testament to the advanced capabilities of our hospital,” said Dr Vinay Kumar Rajendra, surgical oncologist who led the surgeries.
“Carinal resections are rarely performed due to the high degree of difficulty and the specialised care required. The successful surgery reflects our team's dedication, technical expertise, and the hospital’s robust infrastructure,” said Dr Sripada G Mehandale, who led the anaesthesia team.
“This achievement underscores our hospital’s position as a centre of excellence for advanced thoracic oncology. We are committed to offering world-class treatment options that provide real hope for patients battling complex and life-threatening cancers,” said Dr Giridhar B H, interventional pulmonologist.
In all three patients, cancer was completely removed and airway was successfully reconstructed by re-joining cut ends of windpipe (trachea) and both sides’ lung tubes. Post-surgery all patients recovered well and were discharged without any complications. Now, all patients are cancer free and doing their routine daily activities.
“As parents, watching our son struggle to breathe and deteriorate each day was heartbreaking. We had visited multiple hospitals in different cities, and most told us that the cancer location near the carina made surgery too risky. We had nearly lost hope—until we came to K S Hegde Hospital. Today, we see our son breathing freely, smiling, and he is very happy as he was able to write his 10th board exam just a week after discharge from the hospital,” said parents of the 14-year-old boy who underwent successful surgery.
These successful surgeries mark a major milestone not just for the hospital, but also for lung cancer care in the region. With limited centres capable of performing such advanced airway surgeries in India, K S Hegde Hospital now stands among an elite few offering this life-saving treatment.
Sharing her thoughts, Dr Sumalatha R Shetty said, “Performing a surgery of this magnitude—on a region as critical as the carina—requires not only exceptional surgical expertise, but also precise anaesthetic management, post-operative intensive care and teamwork across departments. I am immensely proud of our team of doctors, whose clinical foresight and commitment made this possible.”
Dr Sandeep Rai, dean, K S Hegde Medical Academy (KSHEMA), congratulated the whole team for successfully handling these complicated surgeries. He also said, “The successful completion of this highly complex carinal resection surgery marks a proud moment in the history of our institution. It showcases the depth of talent, coordination, dedication and patient-first approach that defines K S Hegde Hospital.”