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The patient availed Free-of-cost treatment under Ayushman Bharat Yojana

Doctors at GCS Hospitals gave a new lease of life to a 51-year-old by performing a complex and rare surgery for the cancerous tumour in the sternum. Tumours of the sternum are rare. Patient Mr. Arun Kolay, a native of Kolkata, has been suffering from excruciating pain and difficulty in breathing due to a tumour in the chest region for the past year. He consulted many doctors and hospitals in Kolkata for around six months but didn't get the proper diagnosis and treatment. After suffering a lot, he decided to come to Ahmedabad for treatment.

At Ahmedabad's GCS Hospital, after several examinations by Dr. Urvish Shah (Consultant - Cancer Surgeon), the patient was diagnosed with chondrosarcoma in the sternum - a rare type of cancer that usually begins in the bones but can sometimes occur in the soft tissue near the bones. The location of this tumour was very critical. The tumour had spread to the sternum, which supports the ribs of the lung and the outer covering of the heart, necessitating the removal of the sternum.

The team of surgeons at GCS Hospital recommended to undergo immediate surgery because of the aggressive nature of the tumour, which had the potential to spread quickly to several organs. To treat this tumour, surgeons offered a unique surgical approach in which the bone of the cancerous sternum was removed and replaced with a titanium mesh to support the ribs. Titanium mesh is light in weight and does not feel heavy to the patient while safeguarding the heart and lungs. This type of surgery is rare in the medical world.

During the operation, Dr. Urvish Shah (Cancer Surgeon) removed the cancer tumour, and Dr. Anitesh Shankar (Cardiothoracic & Vascular Surgeon) took care that there was no damage to the heart. Dr. Pramod Menon (Plastic, Cosmetic, and Reconstructive Surgeon) performed mesh implantation and plastic surgery on the chest by doing a free flap from the leg. Dr. Carolyn Kerketa and the anaesthesia team took care of the patient's stable condition during the surgery. After the tireless efforts of the doctors and residents, the operation was a great success. After 10 hours of hard work without any complications, the 1 kg tumour from the sternum was removed. But this was not enough as it was very important to take care of the titanium mesh post-surgery. Dr. Bhavesh Shah (Intensivist) and the ICU staff ensured the best intensive care for the patient, contributing to his speedy recovery.

Mr. Arun and his brother, Mr. Varun thanked GCS Hospital, doctors, the paramedical team, and other staff. The operation costs lakhs of rupees in a private hospital, but thanks to the Ayushman Bharat Yojana, the treatment has been done free-of-cost at GCS Hospital. At the end of 20 days of hospital stay, Mr. Arun has been discharged in good health and he can walk and perform daily routines by himself.

GCS Hospital has a state-of-the-art operation theatre with all cancer-related treatments and facilities. With the best medical expertise, ultra-modern infrastructure, and facilities as well as the purpose of social service, GCS Hospital today is working to provide treatment to all types of people in society at a nominal rate. Besides, chemotherapy and surgery are also provided free of cost under the Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY Yojana.