The woman had been suffering for years after a hysterectomy surgery led to severe complications.
Published Apr 19, 2025 | 1:00 PM ⚊ Updated Apr 19, 2025 | 1:00 PM
Representative image of kidneys.
Synopsis: The woman’s condition was extremely rare. Globally, only nine similar cases have been treated — all in China — and never with a fully laparoscopic (keyhole) approach in India. In earlier Indian cases, open surgeries were done, which require bigger cuts and longer recovery.
In a rare medical feat, doctors at Preeti Urology in Hyderabad have saved the kidneys of a 52-year-old woman using a marathon 9.5-hour keyhole surgery — reportedly the first time such a procedure has been successfully done in India.
The woman had been suffering for years after a hysterectomy surgery led to severe complications. Both of her ureters — the tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder — were completely damaged, causing repeated infections and poor kidney function. While temporary stents kept her going for a while, her health was steadily declining.
“When we examined her, we found that both ureters were destroyed along a 35 cm stretch. Only the top part near the kidneys, called the renal pelvis, was still working,” said Dr V Chandramohan, consultant urologist and managing director of Preeti Urology in a statement.
Such a condition is extremely rare. Globally, only nine similar cases have been treated — all in China — and never with a fully laparoscopic (keyhole) approach in India. In earlier Indian cases, open surgeries were done, which require bigger cuts and longer recovery.
“In keyhole surgeries, we usually make three tiny incisions. But in this case, we needed 13 small openings to work from different angles,” said Dr Chandramohan. The doctors removed two 35 cm sections of the patient’s small intestine, shaped them into tubes, and carefully connected them from the kidneys to the bladder to replace the damaged ureters.
The complex reconstruction was done entirely using laparoscopic tools. “It took us nearly 10 hours, but we were able to complete it successfully,” he said.
After surgery, the patient’s kidney function returned to normal. Her creatinine levels, which had been dangerously high, are now in the safe range. She is able to walk and is recovering well.
“This kind of surgery needs not just advanced tools but also highly trained surgeons. We are proud to bring this level of care to India,” said Dr Chandramohan.
(Edited by Majnu Babu).
