AIIMS-Patna saves bone cancer patient’s leg with surgery

Patna: AIIMS-Patna has successfully performed a complex limb salvage procedure on a 25-year-old bone cancer patient, preserving his leg in a case that doctors say reflects major progress in advanced cancer care and surgical oncology within the public healthcare system.

The patient, Makar Dhwaj, a resident of Deoria in Uttar Pradesh, had been suffering from persistent pain and swelling in his left leg for several months. He was initially treated elsewhere for what was believed to be a routine fracture after minor trauma, but his condition did not improve.

When he arrived at AIIMS-Patna on May 13, 2025, doctors detected a pathological fracture of the tibia, prompting further evaluation for a possible malignancy. Detailed investigations later confirmed Ewing Sarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of bone cancer that has often required amputation in such cases.

Instead of proceeding with conventional amputation, AIIMS-Patna constituted a multidisciplinary tumour board involving specialists from orthopaedics, radiation oncology and surgical oncology. The team developed a limb salvage plan designed to achieve cancer control while preserving the patient’s mobility and function.

The patient underwent systematic chemotherapy between Aug 2025 and Jan 2026. According to doctors, the treatment significantly reduced the tumour burden and improved the feasibility of surgery.

On March 13 this year, surgeons carried out the highly specialised limb salvage operation.

Doctors restored structural stability using titanium plates and screws, while muscle flap reconstruction was performed to support healing and improve function. The approach enabled complete oncological clearance while avoiding amputation and its associated physical and psychological consequences.

The patient’s recovery has been encouraging. Physiotherapy was started on the second day after surgery with a focus on early mobilisation. Within three weeks, he was discharged in stable condition and had regained the ability to walk with support.

Dr Jagjit Kumar Pandey, HoD of surgical oncology, said, “This success underscores the power of early diagnosis, multidisciplinary teamwork and innovative surgical techniques in not just saving lives, but preserving quality of life.”

The surgical and clinical team included Dr Pravin, Dr Ephraim, Dr Azhar, Dr Pritanjali, Dr Nilesh and Dr Harikesh. AIIMS-Patna also credited the department of anaesthesia for its role in ensuring patient safety and surgical precision during the procedure.