A 16kg tumour, as big as a watermelon, was successfully extracted from a patient at a private hospital in Sharjah. The patient, a 63-year-old man identified as SA, had been living with progressive abdominal distension for eight years, impacting his daily life significantly. Despite being initially scared of undergoing surgery, SA decided to act when his symptoms intensified in the past six months. The surgical team at Burjeel Specialty Hospital successfully treated the retroperitoneal tumour that was equivalent in weight to four newborn babies.
SA explained that his symptoms included severe discomfort, disrupted sleep patterns, swelling in the feet and ankles, and debilitating back pain. The tumour was large, measuring 50x50x40 cm and occupied all quadrants of his abdomen. Despite the size of the tumour and the associated symptoms, a multidisciplinary team recommended surgical intervention. SA underwent a complex laparotomy for the excision of the tumour following consultations with various specialists.
The surgery, led by Dr Inamdar, was extremely smooth, and SA experienced significant relief post-surgery. He felt younger, rejuvenated, and had lost close to 20 kilograms. The cause of the tumour is not specific, but it developed from normal fat present in the retroperitoneal compartment. SA’s symptoms improved dramatically post-surgery, and he was discharged from the hospital on the sixth day, returning to a normal diet. Follow-up care includes physical examinations every three months and annual scans.
Early diagnosis and timely surgical intervention are crucial to optimizing patient outcomes and restoring functional health. SA expressed his gratitude towards the medical team at Burjeel Specialty Hospital, Sharjah, for their expertise and support. This case highlights the importance of proactive healthcare measures and emphasizes the significance of seeking medical attention promptly when experiencing concerning symptoms. Through this successful procedure, SA was able to regain his health and quality of life, underscoring the impact of effective medical interventions in complex cases.
