In Mangaluru, a 63‑year‑old woman named Savitha regained the ability to eat solid food after a lengthy operation at KMC Hospital, B.R. Ambedkar Circle. The procedure followed months of severe vomiting and abdominal pain that persisted after radiation therapy for uterine cancer.
Savitha underwent a radical hysterectomy and subsequent radiation in 2024. Within a year, scar tissue formed inside her intestine, a condition known as radiation‑induced intestinal strictures. Even liquids triggered intense pain, leaving her dependent on a Ryle’s tube and causing a drastic weight loss of more than 20 kg; she arrived at the hospital weighing only 30 kg and with a painful abdominal lump.
A PET scan ruled out cancer recurrence, allowing doctors to focus on the strictures. Dr Vidya Bhat, Consultant in Surgical Gastroenterology, initially tried non‑surgical management, but the pain persisted. After thorough discussion with Savitha’s family, the team decided on surgery.
The eight‑hour operation revealed extensive adhesions—about 70 to 80 cm of small intestine tightly bound together, resembling a cocoon. Sections with poor blood supply risked gangrene, prompting removal of the damaged intestine and the caecum. The remaining bowel was reconnected to restore normal passage.
During the procedure, Savitha experienced significant bleeding, causing her blood pressure to fall to around 50 mmHg. Dr Madhusudan, the anaesthesiologist, along with the surgical team, stabilised her condition, and she was shifted to the ICU for two days of monitoring.
Post‑operative recovery has been encouraging; Savitha now tolerates both liquids and solids without the previous bouts of vomiting. Ongoing nutritional surveillance will ensure adequate nutrient absorption, given the reduced intestinal length.
Dr Vidya Bhat explained that the decision for surgery was difficult because of Savitha’s malnourished state, yet the risk of continued pain outweighed the challenges. Dr Swathi, also a Consultant in Surgical Gastroenterology, added that radiation therapy can sometimes cause such severe intestinal changes, underscoring the importance of timely surgical intervention.
Image for illustration purposes only
📰 Source: Mangalorean News