Successful Liver Cancer Surgery in a 69-Year-Old Patient
Beating cancer at a senior age requires courage, family support, and the expertise of a Best Liver Surgeon. This case study follows the journey of a 69-year-old grandfather who successfully underwent liver surgery performed by Dr. Manoj Dongare, a leading Liver Cancer Specialist.
Patient Background and Symptoms:
The patient, a 69-year-old male from Pune, started experiencing unusual health issues. For several weeks, he felt a dull pain in the upper right side of his abdomen. He also noticed a significant loss of appetite and felt tired all the time. His family became concerned when they noticed a slight yellow tint in his eyes, which is a common sign of liver trouble.
Diagnosis of Liver Cancer:
The family consulted Dr. Manoj Dongare for a professional opinion. After a physical exam, the doctor advised a series of tests to confirm the condition:
- Blood Tests: High levels of Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) were found.
- Imaging: A specialized CT scan and MRI of the abdomen showed a 5-cm tumor in the right lobe of the liver.
- Biopsy: This confirmed the presence of Hepatocellular Carcinoma (Liver Cancer).
Clinical Evaluation and Pre-Surgery Assessment:
Before moving to the operating theatre, Dr. Manoj Dongare conducted a detailed clinical evaluation. This stage is crucial for senior patients to ensure they can handle the procedure safely.
The assessment included:
- Liver Function Reserve (ICG Test): This test checked if the remaining part of the liver would be strong enough to function after the tumor was removed.
- Cardiac and Pulmonary Clearance: Since the patient was 69, his heart and lung health were thoroughly checked by a cardiologist.
- Nutritional Assessment: Manoj Dongare put the patient on a high-protein diet for a week to build his strength.
- Fitness Mapping: The team evaluated the patient’s mobility to plan for early post-surgery walking.
Treatment Planning for Liver Cancer:
As an experienced Oncologist in Pune, Dr. Manoj Dongare decided that a “Hepatectomy” (surgical removal of the infected liver part) was the best option. The goal was to remove the entire tumor with “clear margins” to prevent the cancer from returning. Because Dr. Manoj Dongare is an HPB Surgery Specialist, he planned a blood-saving technique to reduce the need for many transfusions.
Liver Cancer Surgery Procedure:
The surgery was a complex procedure that lasted about five hours. Dr. Manoj Dongare used advanced surgical tools to ensure precision.
Steps of the surgery:
- Incision: A small, specialized incision was made to access the liver.
- Vascular Control: The surgeon temporarily clamped the blood vessels to the right lobe to prevent heavy bleeding.
- Tumor Resection: Using an ultrasonic dissector, Manoj Dongare carefully cut out the cancerous part of the liver while saving all the healthy tissue.
- Bile Duct Protection: The doctor ensured the bile ducts were intact to maintain proper digestion after the surgery.
- Closure: After confirming there was no bleeding, the abdomen was closed with high-quality sutures.
Post-Surgery Recovery and Hospital Care:
The patient was moved to a specialized recovery unit for close monitoring. The care plan designed by Dr. Manoj Dongare focused on “Enhanced Recovery After Surgery” (ERAS).
- Pain Management: Epidural anesthesia was used so the patient felt zero pain during the first 48 hours.
- Early Mobilization: The patient was encouraged to sit up and walk a few steps by the second day.
- Strict Hygiene: The nursing staff ensured the wound was kept sterile to avoid infections.
- Dietary Transition: He started with clear liquids and moved to solid food within four days.
Patient Outcome and Health Improvement:
The patient recovered remarkably well. By the 7th day, he was fit for discharge. Today, the 69-year-old patient is cancer-free and enjoying time with his grandchildren. His follow-up scans show that the remaining liver has grown in size to handle his body’s needs perfectly.
Conclusion:
Age is just a number when it comes to life-saving cancer treatment. With a skilled Liver Cancer Specialist like Dr. Manoj Dongare, even senior patients can achieve a full recovery. If you are looking for an Oncologist in Pune or an HPB Surgery Specialist, early consultation is the key to success.
For expert advice on liver health, visit Dr. Manoj Dongare – Liver & Cancer Specialist.
