Fortis Ludhiana Performs City’s First HIPEC Surgery on 69-year-old Patient suffering from Rare Abdominal Cancer

Fortis Ludhiana Performs City’s First HIPEC Surgery on 69-year-old Patient suffering from Rare Abdominal Cancer

Ludhiana, 25th April 2025: In a major medical breakthrough, oncologists at Fortis Hospital, Ludhiana have successfully performed Ludhiana’s first HIPEC (Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy) surgery on a 69-year-old male patient diagnosed with Pseudomyxoma Peritonei - a rare and complex form of abdominal cancer. The intricate surgery was carried out by the Department of Surgical Oncology, led by Dr. Anish Bhatia, Consultant – Surgical Oncology, Fortis Hospital Ludhiana, in collaboration with the Department of Medical Oncology under the medical supervision of Dr. Davinder Paul, Principal Consultant – Medical Oncology, Fortis Hospital Ludhiana. The patient, who was previously refused treatment by other city-based hospitals owing to the complexity of his condition was successfully treated and was discharged within a week of the surgery.

Patient Mr. Sodhi Singh had been experiencing progressive abdominal swelling, pain and loss of appetite for over a month. Due to the rarity and complexity of his condition, several hospitals in the city declined admission. However he was admitted at, Fortis Hospital Ludhiana where immediate medical evaluation and intervention were initiated.

Comprehensive medical investigations were conducted, including a 2D ECHO, which revealed reduced cardiac function at only 60%. The colonoscopy showed a few small, widened blood vessels in the colon, which were successfully treated using Argon Plasma Coagulation (APC) to stop the bleeding and remove the affected tissue. After this, Mr. Singh underwent HIPEC, a procedure that uses heated chemotherapy to target and destroy any remaining microscopic cancer cells in the body.

This marks the first successful HIPEC surgery in Ludhiana, showcasing Fortis Hospital's growing expertise in advanced oncology treatments. This technique enhances drug absorption while limiting the side effects, which are often seen with systemic chemotherapy. A multidisciplinary team ensured optimal perioperative care, resulting in a smooth recovery and minimal complications.

Dr. Anish Bhatia, Consultant – Surgical Oncology, Fortis Hospital Ludhiana, said, “This was a highly challenging case due to the extensive spread of the cancer within the abdomen. The surgical procedure involved complete removal of the cancer tissues from the abdominal lining, followed by administration of heated chemotherapy directly into the abdominal cavity. This technique improves local control and enhances the efficacy of the treatment. We are extremely pleased with the patient’s progress and recovery. At Fortis Healthcare, we remain steadfast in our commitment to delivering quality healthcare with compassion and innovation. Our focus is not only on clinical excellence but also on creating patient-centric experiences that inspire trust and set new benchmarks in the healthcare industry,”

Dr. Davinder Paul, Principal Consultant – Medical Oncology, Fortis Hospital Ludhiana, added, “HIPEC represents a significant advancement in the treatment of peritoneal surface malignancies like Pseudomyxoma Peritonei. Administering chemotherapy in a heated form directly to the affected area enhances its effectiveness while minimizing systemic toxicity. This case reinforces our commitment to bringing advanced cancer therapies to the region.”

Dr. Vishavdeep Goyal, Zonal Director, Fortis (Amritsar & Ludhiana), stated, “This is a landmark achievement for Fortis Ludhiana and a proud moment for the entire team. At Fortis Ludhiana, our constant endeavor is to introduce globally benchmarked treatments, ensuring that patients in the region have access to the best possible care without having to travel far.”

Fortis Hospital Ludhiana continues to lead the way in clinical innovation, offering advanced, patient-centric care backed by state-of-the-art infrastructure and a highly experienced team of specialists.

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