Chennai, 20th
February 2025 : Kauvery Hospital Vadapalani, a leading
healthcare institution renowned for its advanced surgical techniques, has
performed a rare and complex robotic-assisted spleen-preserving distal
pancreatectomy on a 75-year-old male patient . The patient, who had a history
of heart issues and previous prostate cancer treatment, was diagnosed with a
small, slow-growing neuroendocrine tumor (NET) in the pancreas.
The procedure, which requires meticulous precision and expertise,
was led by Dr. Swaminathan Sambandam, Senior Consultant & Lead for
Multi-Organ Transplants (Liver, Kidney, Pancreas & Small Intestine). Dr.
Sambandam, a renowned surgeon in the field of robotic-assisted surgery,
performed the operation using state-of-the-art robotic technology to achieve a
successful outcome. This surgery is extremely rare and requires highly
specialized skills to separate the pancreas from the spleen, a task made even
more challenging by the close proximity of blood vessels.
The patient, a 75-year-old gentleman, presented with a 3.5 cm
neuroendocrine tumor located on the body of the pancreas. Unlike other types of
pancreatic cancer, neuroendocrine tumors are slow-growing, but still pose
significant health risks. In most cases, surgery requires the removal of the
body and tail of the pancreas along with the spleen. However, this patient’s
case was particularly unique due to his age, underlying heart condition
(pacemaker), and history of prostate cancer treatment.
Given the complexity of the case, and the patient’s desire to
avoid open surgery, the team chose a robotic-assisted approach, a technique
that is extremely rare in India. This method allows for high-precision surgery
with minimal incisions, leading to faster recovery times and a more accurate
resection of the tumor while preserving the spleen.
The robotic-assisted technique used in this surgery offers
significant advantages over conventional laparoscopic and open surgeries. The
main challenge of the procedure lies in carefully separating the pancreas and
tumor from the blood vessels that supply the spleen, particularly the splenic
artery and vein. This is where traditional laparoscopic methods often fall
short, as the small blood vessels can be difficult to manage with conventional
tools.
However, with robotic technology, the surgeon has enhanced
visualization and greater precision in performing the intricate dissection
required for this procedure. The robotic arms offer better maneuverability and
control, allowing the team to preserve the spleen while successfully removing
the tumor and part of the pancreas. The robotic approach also minimizes trauma
to surrounding tissues, reducing the risk of complications and ensuring faster
recovery.
“This procedure is a great example of how advanced robotic surgery
can offer superior outcomes for patients with complex conditions,” said Dr.
Swaminathan Sambandam. “In this case, the patient not only benefited from a
minimally invasive approach but also from the ability to preserve the spleen
something that would have been difficult or impossible with traditional
laparoscopic methods.”
Dr Aravindan Selvaraj, Co-Founder & Executive Director of
Kauvery Group of Hospitals Said, “At
Kauvery Hospital, we continually strive to offer innovative solutions that
improve patient outcomes and quality of life. This case is a perfect example of
how technology, combined with the dedication and skill of our healthcare
professionals, can provide life-changing results for patients. We thank our
patients for entrusting us with their care and will continue to pursue
excellence in every aspect of our services, so that Kauvery Hospital remains a
leader in specialized healthcare."
The patient had an uncomplicated recovery and was
discharged from the hospital just four days after surgery thanks to the
advantages of robotic surgery. He has since returned with a successful outcome
and a significantly improved quality of life.