A 59-year-old woman in Quang Tri recently underwent a successful six-hour surgery to remove a massive ovarian tumor, weighing approximately 5 kg and measuring 40 cm in diameter. The patient, who had dismissed her enlarging abdomen as normal aging for nearly a year, is now stable and recovering at Quang Tri Provincial General Hospital, feeling "lighter" after the procedure on 1/7. She was admitted in late June with severe left flank pain radiating to her lower abdomen, prompting the discovery of the large mass.
Diagnostic tests, including a computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen and pelvis, revealed a very large mass within her abdominal cavity. Doctors diagnosed it as a right ovarian tumor, while also considering the possibility of a tumor originating from other abdominal organs.
 |
Doctors removing the tumor. Photo: Minh Chau |
Following a consultation, the medical team opted for an open abdominal surgery using a midline incision above and below the navel. The complex procedure lasted six hours, during which doctors successfully removed the tumor, measuring approximately 40 x 30 cm and weighing about 5 kg – a size comparable to a newborn.
After the tumor's removal, the surgical team meticulously examined the left adnexa, two ureters, the greater omentum, and other abdominal organs, finding no further abnormalities. The specimen has been sent for histopathological examination to determine its nature and guide subsequent treatment. According to the medical team, this was a highly challenging surgery due to the tumor's immense size, which occupied nearly the entire abdominal cavity. The primary challenge was to meticulously dissect and remove the entire mass without rupture, thereby minimizing the risk of spreading cells within the abdomen if the tumor proved malignant, while also preserving surrounding organs and reducing complications.
Doctors emphasize the importance of vigilance for women, particularly those who are middle-aged or post-menopausal. They advise against complacency when experiencing symptoms such as unusual abdominal enlargement, persistent pain, or distension. Early medical examination is crucial for timely disease detection, which significantly improves treatment effectiveness and reduces the risk of complications.
Dac Thanh
