Media Release
Udupi, Aug 31: In the realm of cancer care, the word “malignancy” often brings with it a dark shadow of loss. For decades, a diagnosis of a severe bone or soft-tissue tumour affecting the limbs frequently meant one devastating outcome: amputation.
Doctors at Adarsha Hospital, Udupi, have successfully performed two highly complex major limb-salvage surgeries on young male patients, marking a significant milestone in advanced surgical oncology in the coastal region. The multidisciplinary effort eradicated aggressive tumours while saving the patients’ limbs and sparing them from radical amputations.
The team was led by surgical oncologist Dr Ananth S Mathad, orthopaedic oncosurgeon Dr Navaneeth S Kamath, anaesthesiologist Dr Sukhen Shetty and supporting nursing staff.
The first case involved a 31-year-old male with high-grade bone cancer involving the right thigh bone (chondrosarcoma). The aggressive bone tumour threatened his ability to walk, and amputation had been suggested due to its massive size and adherence to major blood vessels of the limb, making limb salvage extremely difficult.
The surgical team was able to carefully remove the complete tumour-ridden bone while preserving critical blood vessels and nerves, followed by reconstruction with a mega endoprosthesis. This allowed the patient to have the tumour removed and become ambulant at the earliest.
The second procedure presented a daunting challenge: a massive liposarcoma affecting the soft tissue and encasing critical neurovascular structures. Injury to major blood vessels or nerves during the surgery could result in permanent loss of the limb or function.
Dr Ananth S Mathad performed the surgery by carefully teasing the tumour away from these vital neurovascular structures while successfully excising the tumour completely, keeping the limb viable and functional.
“Limb salvage surgery represents one of the most technically demanding domains in surgical oncology. Historically, amputation was the standard route for advanced bone tumours. Today, modern limb salvage allows us to completely eradicate cancer while preserving a patient’s independence and dignity. When a young breadwinner faces cancer, losing a limb is socio-economically devastating for the family. Seeing a patient walk out of the hospital on their own two feet is the ultimate victory,” explained surgical oncologist Dr Ananth S Mathad.
Medical director of Adarsha Hospital Dr G S Chandrashekar stated, “This achievement is a proud milestone for healthcare in Udupi, reflecting the skill of our doctors. To our community, we send a clear message: a cancer diagnosis is no longer a sentence of disability. With early detection and advanced technology, we save both lives and limbs.”