NEW DELHI (Friday, March 27, 2026) — Surgeons at AIIMS Delhi’s Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Institute Rotary Cancer Hospital (Dr. BRA-IRCH) have successfully performed a high-risk operation to remove a massive 21.8 kg uterine sarcoma tumor from a 46-year-old woman. The tumor, which filled the patient’s entire abdominal and pelvic cavities, is one of the largest of its kind ever recorded in Indian medical history.
The Patient: A High-Risk Case
The 46-year-old Delhi resident presented with a rapidly deteriorating condition that had progressed over four months.
- Symptoms: Progressive abdominal fullness, severe distension, and intense pain that eventually led to significant functional limitations.
- Comorbidities: The patient was recently diagnosed with diabetes and hypertension, complicating the anesthesia and surgical recovery process.
- Clinical Surprise: Despite the immense pressure on her internal organs, she reported no bowel or bladder issues, which is unusual for a mass of this magnitude.
The Surgery: Precision Under Pressure
The operation was led by Dr. M.D. Ray, Professor in the Department of Surgical Oncology. The surgical team faced immense challenges due to the tumor’s size and its proximity to vital organs.
| Surgical Challenge | Medical Response |
| Tumor Weight | 21.8 kg (Filling abdomen and pelvis). |
| Organ Compression | The mass pushed the diaphragm and major blood vessels (Aorta/IVC). |
| Vascular Risk | Potential for massive blood loss during the detachment of the uterine wall. |
| Operation Time | Several hours of meticulously separating the mass from the intestines and bladder. |
Understanding Uterine Sarcoma
Uterine sarcoma is a rare, aggressive form of cancer that forms in the muscles or supporting tissues of the uterus.
- Difference from Fibroids: Unlike common non-cancerous fibroids, sarcomas grow rapidly and can spread to other parts of the body.
- Detection: Large sarcomas are often mistaken for simple bloating or weight gain until they reach a size that causes severe physical distress.
- Treatment: Surgical removal (Hysterectomy) remains the primary treatment, often followed by radiation or chemotherapy depending on the “grade” of the tumor.
Post-Operative Recovery
The patient is currently stable and under close observation at Dr. BRA-IRCH. Dr. Ray noted that the successful removal of such a “gigantic mass” without damaging the surrounding organs is a testament to the advanced surgical oncology capabilities at AIIMS.
Sources
- The Hindu: “AIIMS Delhi surgeons remove 21.8 kg uterine sarcoma tumour in high-risk operation” (March 27, 2026).
- Press Trust of India (PTI): “Rare 21.8 kg tumor removed from 46-year-old woman at AIIMS Delhi” (March 27, 2026).
- Times of India: “AIIMS Delhi: Massive 21 kg uterine sarcoma removed in record surgery” (March 27, 2026).
- Official AIIMS Bulletin: “Department of Surgical Oncology Achievement Report” (March 2026).
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