Elderly woman defeats oesophageal cancer

Ranchi: A 65-year-old woman from Bokaro, Jhulan Devi (name changed on request), has triumphed over oesophageal cancer, following a rare and complex surgery at a city-based private hospital.The patient had been enduring persistent dysphagia (difficulty in swallowing) for over six months as the cancer affected both the mid and lower sections of her esophagus. Having undergone three cycles of chemotherapy at another health centre, she was referred to the surgical oncology unit of the Bhagwan Mahavir Medica Superspecialty Hospital.Dr Sandip Kumar, who led the trans-thoracic esophagectomy, said, "The anatomy of the region and the aggressive nature of the disease pose significant risks. In this case, the tumor's spread and prior chemotherapy made the surgery more challenging."The patient experienced no major post-operative complications and was discharged seven days later. Devi, who has returned to her daily routine, said, "I was weak as I couldn't eat. I had no hope even after chemotherapy. But today, I feel blessed to have had this second chance." The surgery involves removing all or part of the esophagus through incisions in both the chest and abdomen. A lymphadenectomy was carried out, targeting critical lymph nodes in the thoracic region, to further reduce the risk of cancer recurrence.