In a rare and complex surgery, doctors at Velammal Medical College Hospital and Research Institute in Madurai successfully delivered a healthy male baby and simultaneously removed a massive uterine fibroid weighing 1.8 kilograms from a 23-year-old woman.
The woman, who resides abroad, was diagnosed with the fibroid — a noncancerous tumour — at just five months into her pregnancy. Initial medical advice she received suggested terminating the pregnancy due to the high risk of complications such as miscarriage, restricted foetal growth, and preterm labour.
However, after being admitted to the hospital, she was placed under continuous antenatal monitoring. Defying the odds, the team of doctors supported her through the pregnancy and helped her reach full term.
On July 4, during the 37th week, the woman underwent a planned C-section. She delivered a healthy baby boy weighing 2.6 kilograms. In the same procedure, surgeons removed the fibroid, which measured an astonishing 20 cm by 18 cm.
The dual surgery was carried out by a team led by Dr. K S Chithra, Head of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, along with Dr. Rajakeerthana, Dr. Sakthipriya, Dr. Akhila, and the anaesthesia team led by Dr. S C Ganesh Prabhu.
Following the procedure, both mother and baby are reported to be in stable condition.