A cancer diagnosis is frightening enough. But when the cost of surgery becomes a wall between a patient and her recovery, the fear turns into helplessness. This is the story of a lady from Indapur who faced exactly that — and how Dr. Manoj Dongare gave her a second chance at life.
The Diagnosis: Gallbladder Cancer
A lady from Indapur, a small town in Pune district, was diagnosed with gallbladder cancer a few weeks ago. She had been experiencing discomfort in the upper abdomen, and after initial evaluation at a local facility in Indapur, her doctors confirmed the diagnosis and strongly advised surgery.
Gallbladder cancer, though relatively uncommon, is one of the more serious gastrointestinal cancers. When caught at an operable stage, surgical removal offers the best chance of cure. Delaying surgery at this stage can allow the cancer to spread to nearby structures like the liver, bile duct, and lymph nodes — making it far more difficult to treat.
Her doctors in Indapur were clear — she needed an operation. But the estimated cost at private facilities was far beyond what her family could afford. For a moment, it seemed like treatment itself was out of reach.
Finding Dr. Manoj Dongare:
The family then reached out to Dr. D.Y. Patil Hospital and Research Centre, Pimpri-Chinchwad, where they came to know about Dr. Manoj Dongare — a senior Surgical Oncologist and HPB Surgeon in Pune with over 17 years of experience in treating complex cancers of the liver, gallbladder, bile duct, and pancreas.
For patients searching for gallbladder cancer treatment in Pune or cancer surgeon in PCMC, Dr. D.Y. Patil Hospital is one of the most trusted centres — not just for the quality of care, but also for accessibility under government health schemes.
Dr. Manoj Dongare personally reviewed all her investigation reports, imaging, and biopsy findings. He took the time to explain the diagnosis in detail — what gallbladder cancer means, what the surgery involves, what to expect during recovery, and what the treatment plan would look like going forward. For the patient and her family, this conversation itself was reassuring. They finally felt they were in the right hands.
She was admitted for surgery without delay.
The Challenge: Gallbladder Cancer Surgery Is Not Simple
Gallbladder cancer surgery — also known as radical cholecystectomy — is not a routine operation. Unlike a simple gallbladder removal for stones, cancer surgery requires a much wider resection.
Depending on the stage, gallbladder cancer surgery may involve:
- Complete removal of the gallbladder
- Removal of a margin of liver tissue adjacent to the gallbladder (liver bed resection)
- Removal of regional lymph nodes for staging and disease control
- In some cases, removal of part of the bile duct if involved
The goal is to achieve clear surgical margins — meaning no cancer cells are left behind at the edges of the removed tissue. This is the single most important factor in preventing recurrence after gallbladder cancer surgery.
The complexity increases when the tumor is close to major blood vessels or the bile duct — structures that require careful dissection and years of surgical experience to handle safely.
How Dr. Manoj Dongare Performed the Surgery?
Dr. Manoj Dongare performed the surgery with the precision and thoroughness that complex HPB cancer surgery demands. Here is how the procedure was carried out:
- The patient was prepared carefully with full pre-operative assessment to ensure she was fit for anaesthesia and surgery.
- The abdomen was opened through a carefully planned incision to give full access to the gallbladder, liver, and surrounding structures.
- The gallbladder was identified along with the tumor, and the extent of disease was assessed directly under vision.
- A segment of the liver adjacent to the gallbladder — the liver bed — was resected to ensure the cancer was removed with a clear margin of healthy tissue.
- The regional lymph nodes around the bile duct and hepatic artery were carefully dissected and removed for proper staging.
- All surrounding structures — the bile duct, major blood vessels, and remaining liver — were checked and preserved.
- The abdomen was closed in layers after thorough irrigation and haemostasis.
The surgery was completed successfully. Dr. Manoj Dongare’s experience in liver and biliary surgery was critical here — because the proximity of the gallbladder to the liver and bile duct means even a small error in dissection can lead to serious complications.
Recovery and Outcome:
The patient recovered well after surgery. She was monitored closely in the post-operative period, and there were no major complications. Her pain was managed effectively, and she was gradually started on oral feeds as her bowel function returned.
She was discharged in a stable condition — relieved, grateful, and most importantly, cancer-free after surgery.
For a lady who had almost given up on getting treated due to financial constraints, this outcome was nothing short of life-changing.
Affordable Cancer Treatment in Pune Under Government Schemes:
One of the most important aspects of this case is that the surgery was made possible at a very affordable cost through government health schemes available at Dr. D.Y. Patil Hospital and Research Centre.
Dr. Manoj Dongare provides cancer treatment under several government schemes including:
- Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Jan Arogya Yojana (MJPJAY)
- Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS)
- Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS)
- Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY)
Patients from smaller towns across Maharashtra — Indapur, Baramati, Solapur, Satara, Sangli — regularly come to Pune for cancer surgery under government schemes. If you or a family member has been diagnosed with gallbladder cancer, bile duct cancer, or any HPB cancer, do not let finances be the reason for delay.
Key Facts About Gallbladder Cancer Every Patient Should Know:
- Gallbladder cancer is more common in women than men
- It is often detected late because early symptoms — bloating, mild pain, indigestion — are easy to ignore
- When diagnosed at an operable stage, surgery offers the best chance of cure
- Delay in surgery allows the cancer to spread to the liver and lymph nodes, reducing treatment options
- Surgical oncologists with HPB expertise should perform gallbladder cancer surgery — it is not a procedure for a general surgeon
- Treatment under government schemes makes cancer surgery in Pune accessible to patients from all economic backgrounds
Why Dr. Manoj Dongare for Gallbladder Cancer Surgery in Pune?
Dr. Manoj Dongare is one of very few Surgical Oncologists in Pune who specialises in both cancer surgery and HPB surgery — a combination that is essential for gallbladder cancer, which sits at the intersection of both specialities.
With over 3,000 cancer surgeries, 600 pancreatic resections, and extensive experience in liver and biliary procedures, he brings a level of technical skill and surgical judgement that is rare to find outside major metro hospitals — and he brings it right here in Pune and PCMC.
If you have been diagnosed with gallbladder cancer and are looking for an expert cancer specialist in Pune, do not wait. An early surgical consultation can make all the difference.
Book an Appointment with Dr. Manoj Dongare:
Cloverleaf Speciality Clinic:
Ashirwad House, 202, Kala Khadak Rd, near Bhumkar Das Gugre Road, next to Good Samaritan School, Shankar Kalat Nagar, Wakad, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Pune – 411057
Monday to Saturday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Dr. D.Y. Patil Hospital and Research Centre:
Address- Surgery OPD – 9, Sant Tukaram Nagar, Pimpri Colony, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Maharashtra – 411018
Time- Monday to Saturday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Call- 📞 09881379573