Rare liver tumor in newborn successfully treated through complex surgery at Kasturba Hospital, Manipal

Manipal: In a remarkable medical feat, a team of experts at Kasturba Hospital, Manipal, successfully performed a complex surgery to remove a rare liver tumor, giving a newborn baby a second chance at life.

The parents, residents of Chitradurga, were overjoyed when they conceived after a long journey battling infertility. However, their joy was short-lived when an antenatal scan revealed a rare liver tumor in their unborn baby. Seeking specialized care, they turned to Kasturba Hospital for treatment after the baby’s birth.

A thorough evaluation, including a CT scan and liver biopsy, confirmed the presence of Hepatoblastoma—a rare form of liver cancer—located in the right lobe of the baby’s liver. The medical team counseled the parents on the complexity of the required surgery and the associated risks. At just four months old, the baby underwent a successful liver tumor resection performed by the hospital’s expert pediatric surgical team, led by Dr. Vijay Kumar, Professor and Head of Pediatric Surgery. The team included Dr. Santhosh Prabhu, Dr. Sundeep P.T., Dr. Nitin Pai, and Dr. Ranjini. The intricate procedure was supported by the hospital’s Anesthesiology team, led by Dr. Malavika and Dr. Vasudev Bhat, Professor and Head of Pediatric Oncology, played a crucial role in evaluating the baby and guiding treatment planning.

Speaking about the groundbreaking surgery, Dr. Vijay Kumar remarked, “Antenatally diagnosed liver tumors like Hepatoblastoma are extremely rare, with only 14 cases reported worldwide in medical literature. Surgical removal of such tumors is always complex, and the challenges are amplified when it involves a newborn. Successfully performing this surgery required not only an experienced surgical team but also expert anesthetists, oncologists, advanced instrumentation, and excellent hospital infrastructure. We are delighted to see the baby recover well, bringing smiles back to the parents’ faces.”

Expressing his pride in the team, Dr. Avinash Shetty, Medical Superintendent of Kasturba Hospital, said, “This case is a testament to the hospital’s commitment to providing world-class medical care. Our expert doctors have truly given a new lease of life to the baby and immense hope to the parents. It serves as a ray of hope for families in this region and beyond.”

The baby has made a remarkable recovery, showcasing the extraordinary expertise and dedication of the Kasturba Hospital team in handling rare and complex medical conditions.