Fortis Hospital Bangalore doctors perform unique limb preservation surgery in bone cancer patient

Bangalore: Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road successfully implemented a rare and unique treatment modality on a 32-year-old male, suffering from Chondrosarcoma of the pelvic bone. Chondrosarcoma is a rare type of bone cancer which usually begins in the bone, but it can also occur in the tissues surrounding it. The team of doctors was led by Dr Anil Kumar M R, Lead Consultant Radiation Oncology, Fortis Hospital, Bangalore along with Dr. Srinivas C H, Ortho oncologist.

The patient was diagnosed with a malignant tumour in the pelvic bone and was admitted to Prakriya Hospital, Tumkur Road for the removal of the tumor-bearing bone. The doctors at Fortis and Prakriya Hospital, Tumkur Road decided to conduct the unique radiation modality called Extracorporeal irradiation (ECI) on the resected bone. This method involves delivering high doses of radiation in a single sitting to the operated bone compared to the conventional six weeks of radiation. While the patient was still in the operation theatre, the bone was extracted and sent to Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road, for the procedure.

Dr Anil Kumar M R, Lead Consultant Radiation Oncology, Fortis Hospital, Bangalore, said, “ECI is relatively rare and unique method used in the management of malignant bone tumours. Earlier, many of the patients were compelled to undergo amputation. However, the recent management strategies favour limb preservation therapy (LPT) in most patients, than amputation. This has been possible because of the multidisciplinary treatments which consist of optimal use of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. This method also carries a lot of advantages as it also reduces the risk of recurrence. Above all, it has a psychological advantage as the patient feels that their own bone is being used as prosthesis.”

Dr Srinivas C H , Ortho oncologist, Prakriya hospital, Tumkur road said, ‘ The patient was detected with pelvic bone cancer with tumor of 8cm and was going through a lot of pain while walking and sitting. That is when we decided to go ahead with this unique procedure with the help of the doctors at Fortis Hospital. In this case, we extracted the tumour-bearing bone, and post high dose radiotherapy we grafted the bone back through implantation. At present, the patient is free of cancer and will recover in 15-20 days with the help of this innovative technique.”

The patient, Mr Naresh (name changed), said, “I had reached out to the doctor with excruciating pain in the pelvic region. After a series of tests and diagnosis, I was devastated to hear that I was suffering from cancer. The doctor patiently explained to me about the whole new procedure and its advantages, I trusted the doctors and agreed to undergo surgery. I am very grateful to both the doctors for saving my life and my limb.”