SRM Global Hospitals Successfully Treats India’s First Case of Heart Cavity Lump with Keyhole Surgery
- Globally, only about ten cases of the cyst inside the pericardium have been reported in the published literature so far.
- The medical team successfully avoided intensive procedures that would have required stopping the heart and lung functions.
Chennai, 18 December 2024: A 50-year-old woman from Puducherry became the first patient to be treated for a cyst, a lump, inside the pericardium, the double-layered sac around the heart. The milestone was achieved recently at SRM Global Hospitals, where the medical team successfully performed a keyhole surgery to remove the giant mass – measuring around 8X8X5 cms, occupying the whole of the pericardial cavity, avoiding the need for intensive procedures that usually involve stopping the heart and lung functions. Thanks to this minimally invasive approach, the patient was discharged just a few days after the procedure, marking a swift and remarkable recovery.
The medical team, led by Dr. Sujith Velayudhan Indira, Senior Consultant in Cardiothoracic Surgery, included Dr. Sreenath, Cardiac Anaesthetist, Dr. B. Nembian Raja Rajan, Assistant Consultant in Cardiothoracic Surgery, and Dr. Sindhu V., Consultant in Pulmonology.
Sharing the patient’s journey, Dr. Sujith Velayudhan Indira said that the 50-year-old woman from Puducherry had been experiencing a persistent cough and difficulty breathing for several weeks. A scan at a local hospital revealed a large cyst in her chest, pressing against the left atrium of the heart. A detailed CT scan confirmed that the growth was dangerously close to major blood vessels, the left atrium, and pulmonary veins. “After further evaluation at SRM Global Hospitals, we decided on a minimally invasive procedure known as a right-sided mini thoracotomy, which involved making a small 6 cm incision. During the surgery, we discovered that the cyst was even more complex than anticipated. It measured approximately 8x8x5 cm and had completely filled the space around the heart, wrapping around major blood vessels and nestled between critical areas such as the right pulmonary artery and the roof of the left atrium, even extending to the tip of the heart’s left atrial appendage.”
On the treatment approach, he added that to treat the cyst, the team used a procedure called marsupialization. This involved carefully opening the cyst, draining its contents, and stitching its edges to nearby tissue to prevent recurrence. “Remarkably, we avoided using a heart-lung machine, which would have required stopping the patient’s heart and lungs during the operation. The patient recovered well after the surgery. Her recovery was smooth, and she was able to return home just four days after the procedure.”
A biopsy later confirmed that the cyst was benign, likely a bronchogenic cyst, a non-cancerous growth that develops during early life. This case highlights the success of minimally invasive techniques in handling even the most challenging medical conditions.
About SRM Global Hospitals:
SRM Global Hospitals, based in Chennai, is a multi-specialty hospital committed to delivering world-class medical services supported by next – gen medical and digital technologies. The hospital houses comprehensive healthcare services including six Centres of Excellence (COE) and round-the-clock super specialty emergency department. The hospital has a solid team of experts for organ transplantation including surgeons, nephrologists, hepatologists, and allied healthcare professionals. The hospital aims to not only improve health and well-being of their patients but also enhance overall quality of life. The hospital infrastructure includes 200+ AI based beds in their spacious rooms, over 30 specialties, 100+ doctors and comprehensive array of healthcare services that cater to patient needs.
To know more: https://srmglobalhospitals.com/
