Chandigarh, February 10, 2025: The Department of Head and Neck Onco-surgery, Fortis Hospital Mohali, has successfully treated several patients suffering from Head and Neck Cancers (ENT cancers), thereby enabling them to lead a normal and healthy life.
Dr Kuldeep Thakur, Consultant, Head and Neck Onco-surgery, Fortis Hospital Mohali, has given a new lease of life to such cancer-affected patients via the world’s most advanced 4th generation robot – Da Vinci Xi.
A 79-year-old woman presented to Fortis Hospital Mohali with a non-healing wound on her left tonsil, which had spread to the adjoining palate. The symptoms were worse, which led to difficulty in chewing food. The Patient underwent a biopsy at another hospital, which revealed a salivary gland tumour and this required urgent surgery. The patient approached Dr Thakur at Fortis Hospital Mohali where an MRI of the mouth and neck confirmed Stage III Tonsil Tumour.
During the robot-assisted surgery which lasted three hours, Dr Thakur performed wide resection of the tumour through the mouth and removal of the nodules from the neck through neck dissection. The patient had a smooth post-operative recovery and was discharged three days after the surgery. The final histopathology report also showed complete removal of the tumour. The patient has recovered fully and is leading a normal life today.
Discussing the case, Dr Thakur, said, “The case was complex as it involved the tonsil and palate, which are important for speech and swallowing function. Any delay in medical intervention would have caused the tumour to grow, affect speech and cause difficulty in breathing.”
“A Head and Neck cancer surgeon can provide the best medical outcomes such as complete removal of the tumour, appropriate reconstruction and the best possible rehabilitation during and post treatment,” added Dr Thakur.
On the benefits of robot-aided surgery, Dr Thakur, said, “Compared to the usual stay of 7-10 days in traditional surgery, Robot-assisted surgery ensures less blood loss, early mouth feeding, shorter hospitalization and fast recovery. Robot-aided surgery is the latest form of minimal invasive surgery and provides a 3D view of the operative field via a special camera inserted into the body of the patient. Parts of the body which are difficult to reach with the human hand can be accessed through robot-assisted arms that can rotate 360 degrees.”
Dr Kuldeep Thakur has undergone extensive training in surgical management of complex Head and Neck cancers. He has performed more than 1,200 successful surgeries so far. Dr. Kuldeep Thakur, is the only super specialist, Head and Neck Cancer Surgeon, currently practicing in the Tricity, who is comprehensively treating head and Neck cancer patients.
About Fortis Healthcare
Fortis Healthcare Limited – an IHH Healthcare Berhad Company – is a leading integrated healthcare services provider in India. It is one of the largest healthcare organizations in the country with 27 healthcare facilities (including projects under development), 4100 operational beds and over 419 diagnostics centres (including JVs). Fortis is present in India, United Arab Emirates (UAE) & Sri Lanka. The Company is listed on the BSE Ltd and National Stock Exchange (NSE) of India. It draws strength from its partnership with global major and parent company, IHH, to build upon its culture of world-class patient care and superlative clinical excellence. Fortis employs 23,000 people (including SRL) who share its vision of becoming the world’s most trusted healthcare network. Fortis offers a full spectrum of integrated healthcare services ranging from clinics to quaternary care facilities and a wide range of ancillary services.
