Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) Chandigarh has performed a remarkable surgery on a 35-year-old head constable of Jammu & Kashmir Police who was unusually tall, measuring 7 feet 7 inches. This is the tallest person the institute has treated until now.
The patient had acromegaly, an uncommon hormonal illness that is due to overproduction of growth hormone by the pituitary gland via a functional pituitary adenoma. The condition gradually progressed to joint pain, vision issues, and extreme difficulty in carrying out normal activities.
Scarless Brain Surgery (Minimally Invasive)
Dr. Rajesh Chhabra and Dr. Apinderpreet Singh, along with the PGIMER Neurosurgery team (led by Dr. Shilpi Bose), chose a headless endoscopic transnasal approach, which is a technique of accessing the tumor from the nose, never needing a head incision.
According to Dr. Rajiv Chauhan, an additional professor of anesthesia, the patient’s height and weight presented unique challenges during the procedure, especially in terms of airway access and safe positioning.
This was the tallest patient ever operated at PGIMER. His unusual height and weight posed multiple anaesthesia challenges, especially regarding airway access and positioning.Dr Rajeev Chauhan, Additional Professor, Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, PGIMER
He added, “We conducted a full rehearsal the day before surgery to reconfigure our OT setup, including adjustments to the table and equipment, to ensure safety and precision during the procedure. It was a team effort that reflects PGI’s preparedness to handle even the rarest of medical scenarios.”
Speedy recovery and hope for patients with hormonal disorders
After the surgery, the patient’s hormone levels began to return to normal, and his symptoms began to improve within weeks.
Dr. Rajesh Chhabra explained the wide-ranging implications of such tumors.
“Functional pituitary adenomas are non-cancerous tumours of the pituitary gland that secrete excess hormones, disturbing the body’s hormonal balance. Often silent in early stages, these tumours can lead to serious complications if not diagnosed and treated promptly,” he said.
PGIMER’s commitment to complex pituitary tumor care
PGIMER has now crossed the milestone of treating over 100 acromegaly cases, a remarkable achievement in the neurosurgical field. Professor Vivek Lal, Director, PGIMER, praised the team: PGIMER Director Prof Vivek Lal lauded the surgery, saying,
“The successful treatment of over 100 complex pituitary tumour cases is a testament to the clinical excellence, precision, and teamwork at PGIMER. These outcomes reinforce our unwavering commitment to delivering the highest standard of care through innovation and compassion.”
When to see a doctor for hormonal symptoms
Hormonal changes, experiencing uncharacteristic physical alterations, such as rapid development or sudden change in voice and menstrual cycles, are when you should see a doctor. Hormone imbalances detected early can make all the difference in the world.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Muhammad Faisal Arshad/MSM)