Mumbai: 85-year-old successfully undergoes complex ovarian cancer surgery at city hospital

Dr Shruti Tandon and Dr Milind Khadke with Savitri Agarwal, along with Dr Vishnu Agarwal, Dr Vivek Shetty and Dr Mohit Rohra. Photos Courtesy: Jaslok Hospital & Research Centre

In a remarkable display of medical expertise and patient resilience, an 85-year-old woman has made a full recovery after undergoing a complex surgery for ovarian cancer at Jaslok Hospital & Research Centre in Mumbai.

Savitri Agarwal was initially diagnosed through a CT Scan with an ovarian mass two months prior, when her grandson brought her to Dr Vishnu Agarwal. While surgery was recommended, the family grappled with the decision due to the octogenarian's advanced age and the associated risks. Unfortunately, Savitri's condition deteriorated rapidly. A month later, she was admitted to Jaslok Hospital with severe vomiting, abdominal pain, and intestinal blockage caused by the growing tumour. Her condition was critical, leaving her with a life expectancy of mere weeks if left untreated.

A CT scan showed that the ovarian mass has blocked the intestine and she was not passing stool and everything was coming out in vomiting and abdomen was bloated not only because of mass but also because of intestinal obstruction. After extensive discussion with relatives Dr Agarwal, along with Dr Vivek Shetty and a skilled medical team, made the courageous decision to operate despite the significant risks posed by Savitri's age, frailty, and the complexity of the surgery. The extensive cytoreductive surgery involved removing the large ovarian mass, which was firmly attached to surrounding organs, necessitating the removal of part of her colon and spleen.

The seven-hour surgery was a success with Savitri tolerating the procedure well and experiencing no complications. Under the expert post-operative care of Dr Shruti Tandon, intensivist at Jaslok Hospital, she recovered swiftly. Savitri was transferred from the ICU to the ward within two days, began walking the next day, and was discharged within a week. Today, she is living a normal life, enjoying a full diet and engaging in her daily activities, underlining the importance of clinical expertise, timely intervention, even in elderly patients, when surgery offers a chance of cure.

Dr Agarwal, consultant, surgical oncology & robotic surgery at the hospital emphasises, "Age should never be a barrier to life-saving treatment. While Savitri's case presented significant challenges, timely intervention offered her a chance to cure. This underscores that even in complex cases involving elderly patients, bold decisions and timely surgery can lead to full recoveries."

"Upon receiving my diagnosis, I was nervous about the possibility of undergoing surgery at my age. However, Dr. Agarwal and the entire team at Jaslok Hospital instilled in me a sense of hope and confidence. Their compassion and unwavering dedication were truly remarkable. Thanks to their expertise, I am now able to enjoy life to the fullest with my loved ones. My message to others is this: never give up hope, regardless of your age." shared Savitri.

Dr. Milind Khadke, director of medical services at the hospital, stated, "This case is a testament to the extraordinary strides in modern medical science and the resilience of our patients. Savitri Agarwal's successful recovery, despite her advanced age, highlights our hospital's commitment to providing top-tier, comprehensive care for all our patients. Jaslok believed that age should not be a limiting factor in pursuing treatment when there's an opportunity to improve quality of life. Our dedicated and well-trained team, coupled with quality nursing care and cutting-edge technology, is proud to be a part of her journey to recovery.