KKN Gurugram Desk | In a remarkable medical achievement, doctors at Safdarjung Hospital in New Delhi have successfully removed the world’s largest adrenal tumor using cutting-edge robotic surgery techniques. The tumor, which was approximately the size of a football, was not only enormous but had also significantly impacted vital organs, including the inferior vena cava, liver, and the right kidney. The procedure, which utilized a minimally invasive robotic approach, has been hailed as a landmark in medical technology and surgical precision.
A Major Medical Milestone
On April 26, 2025, a 36-year-old woman who had been suffering from this massive adrenal tumor underwent a complex and successful robotic surgery. According to medical experts, the tumor, measuring 18.2 x 13.5 cm, is the largest adrenal tumor ever recorded globally. It had become dangerously adhered to several important organs, making the surgical removal extremely challenging.
The surgery was performed by a team of highly skilled specialists led by Dr. Pawan Vasudeva, the Head of Urology and Renal Transplant Department at Safdarjung Hospital. Dr. Neeraj Kumar and Dr. Abhishek Mandal, along with anesthesia experts Dr. Sushil, Dr. Bhavya, and Dr. Megha, played pivotal roles in ensuring the procedure’s success. The team utilized the advanced Da Vinci robotic system, renowned for its precision and effectiveness in complex surgeries.
Complexities of the Surgery
The size and positioning of the tumor made the surgery particularly challenging. The tumor was not only large but had also affected critical organs, including the inferior vena cava (a large vein that carries blood to the heart), the liver, and the right kidney. These organs were at risk of significant damage due to the tumor’s attachment, complicating the process of tumor removal.
The medical team had to be extremely cautious to avoid any inadvertent damage to these vital structures during the procedure. In many such cases, traditional open surgery would have been the go-to method, which involves large incisions and a much higher risk of complications. However, the use of robotic surgery allowed for a more controlled and precise approach.
Advantages of Robotic Surgery
Robotic surgery offers several key advantages over traditional methods, particularly in complex cases like this one. One of the major benefits is the ability to make smaller incisions, reducing the overall impact on the patient’s body. This technique minimizes the risk of infection, reduces blood loss, and ensures faster recovery times. The Da Vinci robotic system provides surgeons with 3D visualization and highly dexterous robotic arms, enabling greater accuracy compared to conventional laparoscopy.
In this case, the surgery took over three hours to complete. Despite the complexity of the procedure, the tumor was successfully removed without any complications. Following the surgery, the patient experienced a smooth recovery, and after just three days, she was discharged from the hospital, which is a significant improvement over traditional open surgeries that typically require longer recovery periods.
Why This Surgery is a Breakthrough
The successful removal of this gigantic adrenal tumor marks a major breakthrough in the field of robotic surgery. While adrenal tumors are not uncommon, the size and complexity of this particular case were unprecedented. The tumor had grown to an alarming size and had become tightly attached to critical structures in the body, making its removal a highly delicate task.
Traditional surgeries, which would typically require incisions of 20 cm or more, could have resulted in extended recovery times and higher risk of complications. In contrast, robotic surgery significantly minimized these risks. Moreover, the ability to perform such a delicate procedure with the precision offered by the Da Vinci system demonstrates the growing potential of robotic surgery in handling even the most complicated medical challenges.
The Role of Robotic Surgery in Modern Medicine
Robotic surgery has revolutionized many fields of medicine, particularly urology, oncology, and gynecology. The ability to perform surgeries with smaller incisions, reduced trauma, and quicker recovery has made robotic systems increasingly popular in hospitals around the world. Moreover, robotic surgery offers several other advantages, including less postoperative pain, shorter hospital stays, and faster return to normal activities.
Dr. Vasudeva, who led the surgery, emphasized that if this procedure had been performed using traditional open surgery, it would have involved a large incision, potentially leading to more significant scarring and a longer recovery period. However, the use of the Da Vinci system allowed for the tumor’s removal through a series of small keyhole incisions, making the entire process much safer and less traumatic for the patient.
Understanding Adrenal Tumors and Their Impact on Health
Adrenal tumors are abnormal growths that occur in the adrenal glands, which are located on top of the kidneys. These tumors can vary in size and can affect the production of hormones such as cortisol, aldosterone, and adrenaline. While many adrenal tumors are benign and do not cause symptoms, some can grow to large sizes and become problematic, leading to symptoms such as high blood pressure, weight gain, and fatigue.
In some cases, like this one, the tumor can grow to an enormous size and impact surrounding organs, causing significant health complications. The woman in this case had been suffering from the effects of the tumor for some time before seeking medical treatment. Thankfully, the timely intervention by the medical team at Safdarjung Hospital saved her life and restored her health.
The Future of Robotic Surgery in India
India is fast becoming a global leader in the field of robotic surgery. Several hospitals across the country have adopted robotic systems, providing state-of-the-art treatment for a wide range of medical conditions. With advancements in medical technology and the growing expertise of Indian surgeons, the country is poised to play a significant role in the future of minimally invasive surgery.
Hospitals like Safdarjung are leading the way in demonstrating how robotic surgery can be used to treat even the most complex cases. This groundbreaking procedure not only highlights the potential of robotic surgery but also showcases the skill and precision of Indian medical professionals in tackling some of the most challenging medical problems.
The successful removal of the world’s largest adrenal tumor through robotic surgery is a remarkable achievement that underscores the growing role of technology in modern medicine. This case represents not only a triumph of surgical expertise but also the remarkable capabilities of robotic systems that are changing the landscape of healthcare worldwide.
For the 36-year-old patient, this surgery marks the beginning of a new chapter in her life, free from the burdens of a massive and potentially life-threatening tumor. It also serves as a beacon of hope for other patients worldwide suffering from complex conditions that may previously have been deemed inoperable.
This groundbreaking procedure at Safdarjung Hospital is a testament to the power of innovation in healthcare, offering a glimpse into a future where advanced technology and skilled medical professionals work together to save lives and improve patient outcomes.