Kerala hospital performs removal of a giant 4kg polycystic kidney
The enlarged kidney, measuring close to 30 cm in length, had caused significant displacement of surrounding abdominal structures, extending from the rib cage to the pelvic region and resulting in considerable physical distress. The patient was also diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease affecting both kidneys, leading to marked deterioration of renal function.
Kochi: For the first time in Kerala, a multi specialty private hospital has successfully performed a rare and complex 3D laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery to remove a giant polycystic kidney weighing nearly four kilograms from a 50-year-old male patient suffering from severe renal dysfunction.
The key-hole surgery was conducted at the VPS Lakeshore hospital in Ernakulam
The enlarged kidney, measuring close to 30 cm in length, had caused significant displacement of surrounding abdominal structures, extending from the rib cage to the pelvic region and resulting in considerable physical distress. The patient was also diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease affecting both kidneys, leading to marked deterioration of renal function.
"The surgery is considered rare because polycystic kidneys of this size are usually treated through open surgery, especially in patients with renal failure and bilateral disease. Performing a complete removal using a purely laparoscopic approach requires a high level of technical expertise,” said Dr Datson P George, Senior Consultant and HOD, Urology and Renal Transplant, VPS Lakeshore Hospital.
The surgery was performed as a preparatory step ahead of a planned renal transplant. Given the size of the enlarged kidney, such cases are conventionally managed through open surgery. However, the medical team opted for a laparoscopic approach to reduce postoperative pain, minimise blood loss and enable faster recovery.
"The patient had bilateral polycystic kidney disease with significant renal dysfunction, which made surgical planning critical. A minimally invasive approach was chosen to ensure safety while preserving overall physiological stability,” Dr George said.
The procedure was carried out by a team from the Department of Urology and Renal Transplant led by Dr George, with Dr Karthi AP, Dr Gregory Pathrose, Dr Adil Abdulla, Dr Joel, Dr Arun, Dr Subhash and HOD of Anaesthesia Dr. Mallie Abraham and Senior Consultant Jaya Susan Jacob. Doctors said renal parameters were closely monitored throughout the procedure.
Hospital authorities said the second kidney which also affected by polycystic disease and measuring approximately 28 cm, will be addressed as part of a staged treatment strategy after the patient stabilises fully following the first surgery, with renal preservation remaining the priority.
The patient is currently stable and recovering under close medical supervision. Further treatment decisions will be taken following detailed clinical reassessment.
"The hospital has managed several rare and complex surgical cases over the years, and this procedure is another addition, reflecting the consistent efforts of our clinical teams,” said S K Abdulla, Managing Director, VPS Lakeshore Hospital.