Chandigarh
2 August 2021
DIVYA AZAD
Recently, doctors at Fortis Hospital Mohali performed two lifesaving surgeries on a 65-year-old patient (suffering from prostate cancer) and 29-year-old patient (suffering from Zinner Syndrome), using the revolutionary 4th generation robotic machine – Da Vinci. A team of doctors, led by Dr. Manish Ahuja, Consultant, Urology, Robotic and Laparoscopic Surgery, Fortis Mohali performed these high risk, intensive surgeries.
On presentation, the 65-year-old patient (Mr. Bhag Ram Nagra) was in extreme discomfort and was suffering from frequent urination. On further medical evaluation, a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test highlighted that the patient’s serum levels were elevated. The patient also underwent an MRI scan and a biopsy of the prostate which revealed that he had prostate cancer (stage 1). To remove the tumor, Dr. Ahuja and his team performed a radical prostatectomy through robot-assisted arms. They removed the diseased gland successfully and stitched the urinary bladder back to the urinary passage. The patient had a smooth post-operative recovery period and was discharged four days after his surgery.
In the second case, on presentation the 25-year-old patient (Mr. Abhishek Aery) was suffering from severe pain in his lower abdomen and perineum. On evaluation he was diagnosed with ‘Zinner Syndrome’, a rare congenital abnormality which results in the malformation of the seminal vesicle and ipsilateral upper urinary tract. The patient had an ejaculatory duct obstruction, cysts in the seminal vesicles and only one kidney. As a result of the same, he was in extreme pain. The cysts had to be removed urgently to lessen the pain but since seminal vesicles, such as the prostate, are situated deep in the pelvic cavity they are difficult to operate on through open surgery. To successfully treat the patient, Dr Ahuja and his team performed a robot-assisted surgery and successfully removed the cysts. The patient had a smooth post-operative recovery period and was discharged two days after his surgery.
Dr Manish Ahuja, Consultant, Urology, Robotic & Laparoscopic Surgery, Fortis Hospital Mohali, said, “The prostrate is the male reproductive gland which can enlarge due to hormonal changes after the age of 50. At times these enlargements can be cancerous in nature. However, if detected in time, the gland can be removed, and the growth of the tumor stemmed. Several complicated and delicate surgeries are done with greater precision using robot-assisted technology. It is the latest form of minimal invasive surgery and provides a 3D view of the operative field via a special camera inserted into the body of the patient. Parts of the body which are difficult to reach with the human hand can be accessed through robot-assisted arms that can rotate 360 degrees. Patients have minimal blood loss, less scarring and the recovery process is faster.”
Thanking Fortis Hospital Mohali, the 25-year-old patient Abhishek Aery said, “I approached several hospitals but was not satisfied with their suggested line of treatment. I was in severe pain and finally approached Fortis Hospital Mohali where I met Dr Manish Ahuja. He studied my case thoroughly and explained that the right treatment approach for me involved robotic surgery. I have now recovered and am feeling energetic. I have no problem in walking and performing my daily tasks. I recommend robotic surgery to anyone facing prostate complications.”
