Chandigarh
17 October 2019
DIVYA AZAD
A rare nerve tumour affecting the heart vessels in the chest was thoracoscopically removed from a 32-year-old Punjab woman by a team of doctors at Fortis Memorial Research Institute, (FMRI), Gurugram.
The patient from Muktsar in Punjab was undergoing a routine health check-up as part of a visa application procedure when this nerve sheath tumour was detected. The tumour was located at an extremely precarious location in the chest abutting the large vessels of heart which made its success historic. The team of doctors was led by Dr Narendra Agarwal, Consultant of Thoracic Surgeon, Department of Thoracic Surgery, FMRI.
Mrs Lakhvir Kaur Brar – the patient – was reluctant to undergo an open-chest surgery due to the complications it would involve. When she arrived at FMRI, the patient underwent a few tests like PET scan, biopsy and optic laryngoscopy. The results confirmed that the mass was a tumour, which was 7 by 4 centimeters in size, on the nerve which had supply to the voice box and was surrounded by major blood vessels of the heart. On investigation, she was diagnosed to have same side vocal cord paralysis. After careful examination, the option of video assisted thoracoscopic (VATS) surgery was decided. This minimally invasive procedure removed a left nerve sheath tumour from the apex of the patient’s chest cavity.
Speaking about the challenges & the treatment, Dr Narendra Agarwal said, “We are glad that the patient is now cured & recovering well after undergoing this challenging minimally invasive procedure. If the tumour was not removed, then the patient would have faced a further complication. Our multi-disciplinary approach to opt for a minimally invasive surgery to remove was successful because of a careful detailed planning. This procedure was also beneficial for the patient as it is comparatively less pain, minimal scars and a quick recovery by the patient. My sincere thanks to the team of doctors from Nuclear Medicine, ENT, Pathology and Anesthesia whose contribution in the success of this procedure must be acknowledged.”
Thanking Dr Agarwal and his team, Mrs Lakhvir Kaur Brar said, “I was shocked to know that I had a tumor. I explored several treatment options and approached several hospitals in Punjab. Afraid of the complications, I was determined to be treated via the minimal access technique only. However, I was unable to find a willing surgeon. It was during this time that I consulted Dr. Narendra Agarwal. He took on my case and managed to operate on me successfully. I am feeling much better now and have recovered.”
Dr Ritu Garg, Zonal Director, FMRI said,“Patient centricity is the cornerstone at Fortis. I am extremely proud of our doctors. They are ever ready to take on a tough case after a detailed assessment. FMRI, our flagship hospital has consistently delivered on interventions which require precision, confidence, skill, experience and are able to see them through successfully.”
