Lucknow: The Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery at Max Super Specialty Hospital, Lucknow, has given a new lease on life to 56-year-old Balamukund, a resident of Basti, Uttar Pradesh. The doctors successfully treated his periampullary cancer located in the pancreas through robotic Whipple surgery. This complex seven-hour surgery was successfully performed by Dr. Ajay Yadav, Associate Director, Gastrointestinal Surgery, GI Onco, and Robotic Surgery at Max Hospital, Lucknow.
Balamukund initially experienced symptoms such as abdominal pain, vomiting, and jaundice. He sought treatment at a local clinic in Basti but found no relief. Over time, his condition worsened, leading to symptoms like black stools (indicating internal bleeding), rapid weight loss, and loss of appetite. As his health deteriorated further, his family decided to bring him to Max Hospital, Lucknow, on January 6, 2025.
Dr. Ajay Yadav explained that after thorough evaluation, the patient was diagnosed with periampullary cancer. This type of tumor typically develops at the junction where the bile duct and pancreatic duct meet the small intestine. Since the patient was already suffering from jaundice, the doctors first performed Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) to relieve bile duct obstruction. This minimally invasive procedure involves using a flexible tube (endoscope) to clear the blockage in the bile and pancreatic ducts and inserting a stent to restore normal bile flow.
Dr. Ajay Yadav further elaborated, “Once the jaundice was controlled, the patient underwent robotic Whipple surgery. This is one of the most complex surgeries for gastrointestinal cancer, involving the removal of the head of the pancreas, the first part of the small intestine (duodenum), the bile duct, the gallbladder, a portion of the stomach, and nearby lymph nodes. These structures are then reconstructed to restore normal body function.”
The Whipple procedure is technically challenging, requiring high expertise and experience. The success of this robotic surgery highlights the advancements in surgical techniques and modern medical achievements, ensuring optimal outcomes for patients.
At Max Hospital, Lucknow, Dr. Ajay Yadav and his team have successfully performed over 100 robotic surgeries to date. The robotic technique has proven to be more precise, less painful, and minimally invasive, reducing blood loss and accelerating recovery. The patient was discharged on the seventh day post-surgery and is now recovering well.
