Chandigarh
10 February 2025
DIVYA AZAD
The Department of Head and Neck Onco-surgery, Fortis Hospital Mohali, has successfully treated several patients suffering from Head and Neck Cancers (ENT cancers), thereby enabling them to lead a normal and healthy life.
Dr Kuldeep Thakur, Consultant, Head and Neck Onco-surgery, Fortis Hospital Mohali, has given a new lease of life to such cancer-affected patients via the world’s most advanced 4th generation robot – Da Vinci Xi.
A 79-year-old woman presented to Fortis Hospital Mohali with a non-healing wound on her left tonsil, which had spread to the adjoining palate. The symptoms were worse, which led to difficulty in chewing food. The Patient underwent a biopsy at another hospital, which revealed a salivary gland tumour and this required urgent surgery. The patient approached Dr Thakur at Fortis Hospital Mohali where an MRI of the mouth and neck confirmed Stage III Tonsil Tumour.
During the robot-assisted surgery which lasted three hours, Dr Thakur performed wide resection of the tumour through the mouth and removal of the nodules from the neck through neck dissection. The patient had a smooth post-operative recovery and was discharged three days after the surgery. The final histopathology report also showed complete removal of the tumour. The patient has recovered fully and is leading a normal life today.
Discussing the case, Dr Thakur, said, “The case was complex as it involved the tonsil and palate, which are important for speech and swallowing function. Any delay in medical intervention would have caused the tumour to grow, affect speech and cause difficulty in breathing.”
“A Head and Neck cancer surgeon can provide the best medical outcomes such as complete removal of the tumour, appropriate reconstruction and the best possible rehabilitation during and post treatment,” added Dr Thakur.
On the benefits of robot-aided surgery, Dr Thakur, said, “Compared to the usual stay of 7-10 days in traditional surgery, Robot-assisted surgery ensures less blood loss, early mouth feeding, shorter hospitalization and fast recovery. Robot-aided surgery 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.”
Dr Kuldeep Thakur has undergone extensive training in surgical management of complex Head and Neck cancers. He has performed more than 1,200 successful surgeries so far. Dr. Kuldeep Thakur, is the only super specialist, Head and Neck Cancer Surgeon, currently practicing in the Tricity, who is comprehensively treating head and Neck cancer patients.
