Bhubaneswar: In a remarkable display of advanced medical technology and teamwork, doctors at the Institute of Medical Sciences (IMS) and SUM Hospital have successfully restored the airway of a 40-year-old cancer survivor. The patient, who had undergone treatment for tongue cancer in 2024, was struggling to breathe due to a complete blockage in his right main bronchus caused by tumor growth.
The man was admitted to the hospital with dangerously low oxygen saturation of 84%. A subsequent CT scan and video bronchoscopy revealed that his right main bronchus was completely occluded by the tumor, cutting off airflow to his entire right lung. Faced with this critical condition, the medical team opted for a high-risk, technically demanding procedure known as central airway tumor debulking.
The surgery was performed in two sessions, utilizing cutting-edge cryoprobe and electrosnare technology. This advanced combination allowed the team to precisely remove the tumor and reopen the airway without causing damage to surrounding tissues.
Following the successful procedure, the patient’s oxygen saturation rose dramatically to 98% on room air. Dr. Swadesh Kumar Mohanty, the lead surgeon, emphasized the importance of these advanced tools, stating, “When the airway is completely blocked, every second counts. The challenge is to restore breathing without causing further injury, and that’s where advanced bronchoscopic tools make the difference.”
The successful outcome was a result of the close collaboration between the Pulmonary Medicine team and the Anaesthesia team. This complex, life-saving intervention highlights the hospital’s commitment to offering state-of-the-art interventional pulmonology procedures and reflects the visionary leadership of Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan Deemed to be University’s Founder President, Prof. (Dr.) Manojranjan Nayak.
This case is a significant milestone for IMS and SUM Hospital, as central airway tumor debulking using cryo and electrosnare technology is available in only a few centers in Odisha, making such advanced procedures accessible within the state.