Apollo Proton Cancer Centre witnessed World’s First (Reported) combined elective caesarean section & robotic assisted radical nephrectomy for a large kidney Tumor

• Treated with Elective Caesarean section and Robotic Assisted Radical Nephrectomy 
• Optimises best treatment for the mother and unborn child to ensure removal of tumour and healthy child at birth

Chennai, 25th March, 2022: Apollo Proton Cancer Centre, the first & only Proton Therapy Centre in South Asia & the Middle East, performed a unique surgery of Elective Caesarean section and Robotic Assisted Radical Nephrectomy for large left Kidney tumour to save both the mother and child in the best possible manner. The surgery was performed on a 27-year-old doctor who had two concurrent conditions - a physiological condition with 32 weeks of pregnancy and a pathological condition with large tumour (RCC) in left kidney. The surgeon at Apollo Proton Cancer Centre said it was for the first time in the world, that such a unique case has been reported and operated on in the medical history.

(L to R) Dr R Srivathsan, Sr Consultant, Uro-Oncology, Dr Meera Ragavan, Senior Consultant, Urology Gynaecology, Dr. Divya Dharshini (patient) & family, Dr N Ragavan, Senior Consultant, Urologist & Robotic Surgeon, Dr Pradeep.C, Anesthesiology, Apollo Proton Cancer Centres

Performing the surgical procedure under a multi-disciplinary team of specialists from OBG (Obstetrics and Gynecology), Neonatologist, Surgeon, Anaesthesiologist; a plan was devised to go for an optimum anaesthesia to reduce risk for foetus and mother. Elective Caesarean section was done by Dr Meera Ragavan, Senior Consultant- Uro-Gynaecology, Apollo Proton Cancer Centre under Spinal Anaesthesia immediately followed by General Anaesthesia for Robotic Left Nephrectomy in the same sitting. The surgery to remove the tumour was performed by Dr N Ragavan, Senior Consultant, Urologist & Robotic Surgeon, Apollo Proton Cancer Centre.

The foetus growth in the uterus was optimised pre-operatively by the obstetrician to schedule the timing of cancer surgery within 1 month period of detection of tumour. The doctors used the Single skin incision to deliver the baby and the tumour. The leading advancements at Apollo Proton Cancer Centre helped to perform robotic surgery thus enabling early recovery and mobilisation of the patient. As a result, the patient was able to feed the new born from the next day after surgery.

Dr N Ragavan, Senior Consultant, Urologist & Robotic Surgeon, Apollo Proton Cancer Centre, said, “The case of Dr. Divya Dharshini was challenging enough as the two sides involved needed different and unique approach to cure the issue. It was mandatory to keep the child safe and healthy along with treatment of tumour in the left kidney of the patient. Our planned approach yielded positive results and we were able to do both treatments simultaneously to save two lives. I believe that each case we attend to, needs special devotion and willingness to do our best and help patients to recover quickly.”

Dr Meera Ragavan, Senior Consultant, Urology Gynaecology, Apollo Proton Cancer Centre, said, “Witnessing the unique and rare case of Dr. Divya Dharshini was one of the most challenging treatment we had to do to save not one but two lives simultaneously. Once we diagnosed the issue, a detailed chat with the patient gave us a better understanding of how crucial it was for us to plan a unique treatment for her and her child. The discussions went underway with multi-disciplinary team comprising of anaesthesiologist, Gynaecologist, and Neonatologist. The mindful approach and right timing with techniques led to successful surgeries. The birth of a healthy child along with removal of the tumour within few hours was challenging yet successful.”

On the occasion, Mr Harish Trivedi, Chief Executive Officer, Apollo Proton Cancer Centre said, “In line with our mission to treat every patient with ‘Tender Loving Care’ and advanced treatments ensuring better recovery, I am proud of the dedicated team who saved two lives. I would also like to thank Dr. Divya Dharshini for putting her faith and trust in Apollo Proton Cancer Centre. Every treatment at APCC is planned and perfected to provide better quality of life to our patients’ recovery as the key goal. We wish the best of life to the new child and mother.” 

Sharing her experience on the treatment received, Patient Dr. Divya Dharshini said, “Becoming a mother is a dream come true for every woman. I was bestowed with this gift but this complication really challenged me and my family. I am very truly thankful to the Apollo Proton Cancer Centre team for their constant care and attention to give me and my child a healthy life. This treatment has given us a chance to live a happy and healthy life.”

#WinningOverCancer

About Apollo Proton Cancer Centre (APCC), Chennai, India: Apollo Proton Cancer Centre, the most advanced Cancer Centre and the first Proton Therapy Centre in South Asia & the Middle East and it is India's first JCI accredited Cancer hospital.  At the bedrock of APCC's approach treating cancer is its robust multi-disciplinary platform; highly skilled professionals who come together to form a cancer management team (CMT). Each CMT is focused on delivering the best possible outcomes for their patients. An added feather in the cap is the recent launch of the India's first & only site-specific Robotic Oncology Program.

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