Bengaluru, June 19: Doctors at Fortis Hospital Bannerghatta Road, successfully removed more than 200 gallstones from a 71–year–old woman undergoing treatment for breast cancer, who was also battling a severe gallbladder infection and multiple co-morbidities. The highly challenging robot–assisted surgery in India was led by Dr. Manish Joshi and supported by a multi-disciplinary team of specialists. The presence of over 200 gallstones in a single patient is exceptionally rare and is estimated to occur in fewer than 1% of reported gallstone cases worldwide. As per available medical literature, this is believed to be the first reported case in India involving the removal of more than 200 gallstones in a patient undergoing active treatment for breast cancer.
The patient had been admitted at Fortis Bannerghatta with multiple health conditions, including abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Detailed Clinical investigations revealed acute gallbladder inflammation caused by multiple gallstones and further scans revealed that gallstones had blocked the common bile duct, resulting in swelling of the bile ducts and increasing the risk of serious complications. The patient also had pre-existing medical conditions, including hypothyroidism, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and cancer in the right breast for which she was ongoing chemotherapy. Owing to the patient’s age, the ongoing medical treatment, multiple co-morbidities and the severity of infection, the case posed significant surgical challenges and required careful multi-disciplinary evaluation before proceeding for the surgery.
Prior to the surgery, the gastroenterology team led by Dr. Ravindra B S performed an Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography procedure to remove the bile duct stone and place a temporary stent to help maintain bile flow. During the surgery, doctors found that the gallbladder was severely infected with pus and contained more than 200+ gallstones. Considering the severity and complexity of the condition, the surgical team performed a robotic cholecystectomy to safely remove the infected gallbladder using ICG Technique The patient was discharged in a stable condition on the second day after the surgery and was advised regular follow-up for continued monitoring and long-term care.
Giving details of the case, Dr. Manish Joshi, Director, Surgical Gastroenterology, Bariatric & Robotic Surgeon, Fortis Hospital, BG Road, Bengaluru, said,” Gallstone disease affects approximately 10–15% of adults worldwide, and at Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road we perform nearly 400–500 gallbladder surgeries each year. However, most patients typically have only one to five gallstones. Discovering more than 200 gallstones in a single patient is extraordinarily rare and is estimated to occur in fewer than 1% of reported cases globally. With the support of robotic-assisted surgery, we were able to operate with enhanced precision, improved visualization, and greater control in this challenging situation, enabling a safer procedure and contributing to a faster recovery for the patient.”
Sharing her experience, the patient said, “I was in severe pain and quite worried because of my existing health condition. I am grateful to the doctors and medical team at Fortis Hospital, BG Road for treating me with such care and confidence. Thanks to the timely treatment and advanced robotic surgery, I recovered smoothly and was able to return home in stable condition.”
Mr. Gautham CB, Facility Director, Fortis Hospital Bannerghatta Road, said, “The successful management of this complex high-risk case reflects the strength of our multidisciplinary expertise and advanced robotic surgical capabilities at Fortis Hospital, BG Road. This achievement, which is considered a first in India, highlights our commitment to leveraging advanced technology and clinical excellence to deliver precise, patient-centric care even in the most challenging medical conditions.”