Complex Liver Cancer Surgery Successfully Performed on a 1.5-Year-Old Child at Medicover Women & Child Hospital*

 

Visakhapatnam:Indian News Times:A medical team at Medicover Women & Child Hospital, located at Jagadamba Junction, successfully performed a complex liver surgery in August on Udit Gumang, a 1.5-year-old child from Odisha suffering from hepatoblastoma (a type of liver cancer primarily found in children).

The child received treatment under the supervision of Senior Pediatrician Dr. Garuda Rama. Medical tests revealed a large tumor in the right lobe of the liver, necessitating the removal of that section.

Following detailed medical evaluations and comprehensive planning by a multidisciplinary medical team, a 'Right Hepatectomy' surgery was performed. During the procedure, the tumor-affected right lobe of the liver was completely removed while preserving the healthy portion of the liver essential for the child's body.

This complex surgery was jointly performed by Surgical Oncologist & Robotic Surgeon Dr. Karthik Chandra Vallam and Pediatric Surgeon Dr. Parashuram.

Performing such a major liver surgery on a 1.5-year-old child is an extremely challenging task.  Given factors such as the child's small body size, the delicate blood vessels in the liver, and the limited total blood volume, it was essential to completely remove the tumor while minimizing blood loss as much as possible. The medical team performed the surgery with great care, resulting in minimal blood loss, and the child made a smooth recovery post-surgery.

Collaboration between the pediatric anesthesia and critical care departments played a pivotal role in this successful treatment. Dr. Sahitya provided specialized anesthesia services during the surgery, while Dr. Garuda Rama oversaw the child's medical care before and after the procedure. Dr. Vijay Krishna and Dr. V. Pradeep also contributed to the child's pediatric care. This complex surgery was successful thanks to the coordination among the surgical, anesthesia, pediatric, and critical care teams.

*About Hepatoblastoma*

Hepatoblastoma is one of the most common primary liver cancers found in children. Treatment typically involves chemotherapy combined with the surgical removal of the tumor—ideally in its entirety. In cases where complete removal is feasible, it plays a crucial role in the curative treatment plan.

*Dr.  *Dr. Karthik Chandra Vallam said:*

“Performing surgery to remove a major portion of the liver in a one-and-a-half-year-old child is a highly challenging procedure. Our primary goal was to completely remove the tumor while preserving the necessary healthy liver tissue and minimizing blood loss. The surgery was successful, and blood loss was minimal. This was a collective effort by the entire medical team. I especially appreciate the collaboration of Dr. Parashuram, Dr. Sahitya, Dr. Garuda Rama, and the pediatric anesthesia and critical care teams. Their coordination was crucial in ensuring a safe surgery and a speedy recovery for the child.”

The availability of specialized medical services in Visakhapatnam—such as complex pediatric cancer surgeries, major liver surgeries, pediatric anesthesia, and critical care—enables children to receive comprehensive treatment for such complex cases close to home.

*Surgical Team:*
Dr. Karthik Chandra Vallam – Surgical Oncologist & Robotic Surgeon
Dr. Parashuram – Pediatric Surgeon,
Pediatric Anesthesia & Critical Care
Dr. Sahitya – Anesthesiologist
Dr. Garuda Rama – Pediatrician
Dr. Vijay Krishna – Pediatrician
Dr. V.  Pradeep - Medical Oncologist

*Medicover Women & Child Hospital, Jagadamba, Visakhapatnam*