Chennai, October 18th, 2023 – A pioneering effort in Thoracoscopic Surgery unfolded as a team of expert doctors at the Institute of Cardiac & Aortic Disorders (ICAD), SIMS Hospitals, Chennai, successfully conducted path-breaking Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) to remove tumours in two elderly patients, combining groundbreaking medical techniques with compassion.

In the first case, the ICAD team at SIMS Hospital performed this cutting-edge procedure on a 67-year-old gentleman suffering from a persistent, chronic cough for three years. After a comprehensive evaluation, the patient was diagnosed with a sizeable anterior mediastinal tumour, measuring a remarkable 9 x 6.4 cm. Initially slated for a traditional sternotomy, a procedure involving the separation of the breastbone, the patient sought a second opinion at ICAD.

Remarkably, the ICAD team reevaluated the case and decided to perform a ‘Subxiphoid Uniport VATS procedure.’ This innovative approach involved making a mere 4 cm incision below the Xiphoid process, located at the lower end of the breastbone, which is not attached to any ribs, allowing for complete tumour removal without any rupture. The outcome was extraordinary, with the surgery resulting in less than 30 ml of blood loss. To everyone’s astonishment, the patient was extubated on the very day of the surgery and could mobilise himself. He was discharged on the second postoperative day with unparalleled efficiency, completely free of discomfort or pain.

The second patient, a 63-year-old gentleman, experienced slurring of speech and swallowing difficulties for over two weeks. A neurological assessment revealed Bulbar Myasthenia Gravis with a thymus tumour. After stabilising the patient’s Myasthenic crisis, the skilled medical team performed a Uniport Subxiphoid extended thymothymectomy via VATS, achieving an unprecedented feat by using a single 4 cm incision in the sub-sternal region. This groundbreaking procedure successfully removed the thymus gland with a minimal blood loss of only 15 ml. Postoperatively, the patient’s experience was nothing short of a miracle – no Myasthenic crisis and no need for analgesics. The patient was discharged on the third day after surgery, heralding a new era in medical achievement.

Dr. V. V. Bashi, the Director of the Institute of Cardiac & Aortic Disorders (ICAD) at SIMS Hospital, emphasised that VATS, compared to traditional chest surgery, is a safer option with a significantly lower risk of complications. Commenting on the advanced procedure Dr. Rajkamal Vishnu, Junior Consultant, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, SIMS Hospital added that ”VATS has evolved rapidly over the last decade, revolutionising the management of pulmonary and cardiac diseases. Technological advancements have made such procedures safe, even for elderly and frail patients.”

Dr.Raju Sivasamy, Vice-President of SIMS Hospital, noted that using minimally invasive procedures in thoracic surgeries brings many benefits, including reduced postoperative pain, earlier hospital discharge, and overall cost savings. “This method exemplifies the medical excellence practised at our hospital. We at SIMS are dedicated to personalised care through state-of-the-art technology, The path-breaking achievements at ICAD, SIMS Hospitals, serve as a testament to the relentless pursuit of excellence in the medical field, combining innovation, expertise, and genuine patient care to redefine the boundaries of what is possible in modern healthcare” he added”.

About SIMS Hospital: SIMS Hospitals (SRM Institutes for Medical Science) is one of the leading multi-specialty hospitals in Chennai. This 345-bed hospital offers comprehensive healthcare experience across a wide range of specialities, including multi-organ transplant services. The hospital houses 15 modular OTs, 3 state-of-the-art cath labs (including 1 Bi-plane cath lab), advanced ICUs with HEPA -filters and innovative medical technologies, all under one roof. With the finest combination of experience, expertise, cutting-edge technology, well-coordinated multi-speciality Quaternary care facilities, and patient-centric teamwork, SIMS Hospital Chennai is committed to delivering services of international standards. SIMS Hospital offers holistic health care that includes prevention, prophylactic treatment and care, rehabilitation and lifestyle health education and guidance to patients, their families, and clients. At SIMS, every step is aimed at ensuring excellence in patient care.