Chennai, Mar 11: SRM Prime Hospital has successfully treated a patient suffering from advanced Colon Cancer through an advanced laparoscopic surgical procedure, demonstrating the effectiveness of modern minimally invasive and blood conservation techniques in complex oncologic care.
The patient was diagnosed with cancer affecting the sigmoid colon and upper rectum, a form of colorectal cancer that develops in the tissues of the colon. The surgical team performed a highly specialized laparoscopic procedure in which the cancer-affected section of the bowel was carefully removed. The remaining healthy ends of the bowel were then reconnected to restore the natural passage for stools.
The case presented an additional challenge as the patient declined the use of blood products during surgery. Despite the complexity of the procedure, the surgical team successfully limited intraoperative blood loss to just 20 ml, and no blood transfusions were required. Following the surgery, the patient is recovering well and has resumed normal daily activities. The patient will continue with chemotherapy and regular follow-up care as part of a comprehensive cancer treatment plan.
In India, Colorectal Cancer affects approximately 75,000 new patients every year. Major risk factors include westernized dietary patterns, high consumption of red meat, sedentary lifestyle, and hereditary predisposition.
The surgery was led by Dr. Senthil Kumar Ravichander, Clinical Lead and Senior Consultant in Surgical Oncology at SRM Prime Hospital. The medical team performed a minimally invasive laparoscopic high anterior resection, entering through small abdominal incisions to remove the cancer-affected portion of the sigmoid colon and upper rectum.
The procedure utilized advanced surgical technologies including high-definition 4K visualization and Infrared (IR) imaging, allowing surgeons to perform precise dissection with minimal blood loss—an especially critical factor given the patient’s refusal of blood transfusion.
Commenting on the case, Dr. Senthil Kumar Ravichander said:
“We followed a strict, evidence-based blood conservation protocol that enabled us to perform the surgery safely without blood transfusions. It required meticulous surgical technique, precise anaesthetic management, and close coordination between the anaesthesia, intensive care, and nursing teams.”
He further emphasized the importance of early detection of colorectal cancer.
“Persistent bleeding during bowel movements, especially if it continues for three to four weeks, should not be assumed to be haemorrhoids alone. Early evaluation, including colonoscopy, is strongly recommended to rule out colorectal cancer. Lifestyle measures such as increasing the intake of fruits and vegetables, reducing red meat consumption, maintaining a healthy body weight, and regular exercise can help lower the risk of colorectal cancer.”
This case highlights how modern bloodless surgery techniques can be safely and effectively applied even in major cancer surgeries for patients who decline blood transfusions due to religious beliefs—a situation that historically posed significant clinical challenges.
