82-Year-Old Beats Small Intestine Tumor with Expert Surgery in Pune

Most doctors would hesitate. An 82-year-old patient, a rare tumor, a major open surgery. But for Dr. Manoj Dongare, one of the leading surgical oncologists and HPB surgeons in Pune, the patient’s age was never a barrier to delivering the right treatment.

This is the story of an elderly gentleman who walked out of the hospital on his own feet, seven days after a major abdominal surgery for a small intestine tumor.

The patient, an 82-year-old man, had been experiencing recurring stomach bloating and constipation for several weeks. His family initially assumed it was age-related digestive trouble. Over-the-counter medicines gave temporary relief, but the symptoms kept returning.

When the complaints became more frequent, his family brought him for a proper evaluation. A CT scan of the abdomen revealed a tumor in the small intestine — an unexpected and serious finding in a patient of this age.

This was not a simple case. Operating on an elderly patient carries significantly higher risks — the heart, lungs, and kidneys do not tolerate surgical stress as well as in younger patients. The family was understandably anxious.

They were referred to Dr. Manoj Dongare at Dr. D.Y. Patil Hospital and Research Centre, Pimpri, Pune, a surgeon known for handling complex and high-risk cancer surgeries that others consider difficult.

After reviewing the CT scan and conducting a thorough pre-operative assessment, Dr. Manoj Dongare evaluated the patient’s overall fitness for surgery. The tumor was located in the small intestine and was causing partial obstruction, which explained the repeated bloating and constipation.

The patient was admitted under the Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Jan Arogya Yojana (MJPJAY) scheme, which allowed the family to access high-quality surgical care at a very affordable cost at a government-empanelled hospital. This is one of the key reasons why patients from across Maharashtra trust Dr. D.Y. Patil Hospital for cancer treatment in Pune and PCMC.

For patients looking for cancer treatment in Pune under government schemes, this case is a clear example that world-class surgical care is accessible regardless of financial background.

Surgery in an 82-year-old requires far more preparation than a standard procedure. Dr. Manoj Dongare and his team carefully assessed:

• Cardiac function and blood pressure stability
• Lung capacity and anaesthesia tolerance
• Kidney function and fluid management
• Nutritional status and healing ability

Every risk factor was identified and managed before the patient was taken to the operation theatre. Pre-operative optimisation is a critical step that directly impacts how well an elderly patient recovers — and this is where Dr. Manoj Dongare’s experience makes a decisive difference.

Dr. Manoj Dongare performed an exploratory laparotomy — an open abdominal surgery that allows the surgeon to directly visualise the intestines and surrounding structures.

Here is how the surgery was performed, step by step:

• The abdomen was opened through a midline incision to gain full access to the abdominal cavity.
• The entire small intestine was carefully examined to locate the tumor and assess its extent.
• The segment of the small intestine carrying the tumor was isolated with surgical precision to ensure clear margins.
• The affected portion of the intestine — along with the tumor — was resected (removed).
• The two healthy ends of the intestine were then joined together (anastomosis) to restore the continuity of the digestive tract.
• The abdominal cavity was checked thoroughly for any other abnormalities before closure.
• The wound was closed in layers, and the patient was shifted to the recovery ward.

The surgery required careful handling of the bowel in an elderly patient where blood supply, tissue quality, and healing capacity are naturally reduced. Dr. Manoj Dongare’s expertise in gastrointestinal cancer surgery ensured the tumor was removed completely while keeping the surgical trauma to a minimum.

Post-operatively, the patient was monitored closely. He was started on liquids gradually, and his bowel function resumed within the expected time frame. There were no complications — no infection, no leak, no cardiac event.

By day 7, the patient was stable, eating well, and ready to go home. For an 82-year-old who had just undergone major abdominal surgery, this was a remarkable recovery.

The removed tumor was sent for histopathological examination. The biopsy report confirmed GIST — Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor, a rare type of cancer that arises from the wall of the gastrointestinal tract.

GIST is different from regular intestinal cancers. It responds well to targeted therapy — specific oral medicines that attack the cancer cells without the side effects of conventional chemotherapy. The patient has since been started on targeted therapy and is being followed up regularly.

Early surgical removal of the tumor followed by targeted medicine gives GIST patients a very good chance of long-term disease control.

• GIST stands for Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor
• It can occur anywhere along the digestive tract — the stomach, small intestine, colon
• Symptoms include bloating, constipation, abdominal pain, or bleeding
• It is diagnosed on CT scan and confirmed by biopsy
• Surgery to remove the tumor is the primary treatment
• After surgery, targeted therapy medicines like Imatinib are used to prevent recurrence
• GIST is rare but very treatable when caught and operated on time

If an elderly family member has recurring bloating or constipation that does not resolve, a CT scan is strongly recommended. Do not assume it is just age-related.

Dr. Manoj Dongare is a senior Surgical Oncologist and HPB Surgeon with over 17 years of experience. He has performed more than 3,000 cancer surgeries, including complex gastrointestinal, liver, pancreatic, and biliary procedures.

What makes this case stand out is not just the surgery — it is the decision to operate safely on an 82-year-old, with thorough pre-operative preparation and a smooth recovery. That level of surgical judgement comes only with experience.

Patients across Pune, PCMC, Nashik, Ahmednagar, Satara, and beyond travel to consult Dr. Manoj Dongare for second opinions and surgical treatment for cancers that are considered difficult or high-risk elsewhere.

If you or a family member has been diagnosed with a small intestine tumor, GIST, or any gastrointestinal cancer, do not delay. Early surgery gives the best outcomes — regardless of age.

You can also explore pancreatic cancer treatment in Pune and liver cancer treatment in Pune for related HPB conditions treated by Dr. Manoj Dongare.

To book an appointment, visit the clinic or call directly.