Doctors at SilverLine Speciality Hospital in Tiruchi have carried out a complex procedure on a male patient , aged 54, from Perambalur, who had been suffering from Pseudomyxoma peritonei, a rare type of cancer that affects the peritoneal cavity (abdomen and pelvis).

G. Senthilkumar, head, Department of Surgical Oncology, assisted by medical oncologists and anaesthesiologist, performed a 20-hour surgery to remove the tumour, weighing 23 kg on January 15.

At a press conference on Saturday, Dr. Senthilkumar said that procedure included instillation of chemotherapy inside the abdomen via the HIPEC machine, and was the patient’s last viable option.

The patient had a distended abdomen due to mucin accumulation caused by a tumour in his appendix, for over four years. His condition worsened despite seeking treatment at various hospitals.

With the help of intensive care, and attention given to metabolic and organ-related complications, besides psychological support, the patient is on the way to recovery after the operation, said Dr. Senthilkumar.

The medical team included S. Siva Prakash, K. Narendran, Shankar Subbarayan and P. Ramamoorthi. The patient was also present at the press conference.