In a remarkable case highlighting the power of advanced surgical care, Mumbai doctors have successfully treated a 30-year-old woman from Kenya suffering from a rare condition known as paraganglioma.
This was an even rarer secreting tumour which was secreting hormones leading to wide and dangerous fluctuations of blood pressure. The young lady’s blood pressure remained critically high, unmanageable despite multiple medications, significantly affecting her health and quality of life.
Further, the tumour was located deep in the abdomen in proximity to the kidney and major blood vessels – a complex and delicate situation. With the help of precise robotic-assisted surgery, it was successfully removed, leading to excellent blood pressure control without any medications.
Karkeh Rophina, a 30-year-old woman from Kenya, had been struggling with persistently high blood pressure for several years. Despite prolonged treatment, it remained uncontrolled, leaving her physically exhausted and emotionally distressed.
Even simple daily activities were difficult, and she was constantly anxious about her health. With her condition worsening, she and her family began searching for advanced treatment options and learned about Gleneagles Hospital in Parel. Hoping for a solution, she travelled to Mumbai for specialised care.
Dr Prashanth Rao, director of surgical Gastroenterology and Minimal Access Surgery, who led the surgery with his team, said, “On arrival at the hospital in March, the patient had severely uncontrolled hypertension that was not responding to medications and was impacting her overall health. An MRI on January 14, revealed a tumour in the left retroperitoneal region, located between the kidney and aorta, which was diagnosed as a paraganglioma. She was admitted on March 26 for advanced management.”
“Paraganglioma is a rare tumour, seen in 1 in a million people, that can secrete hormones leading to dangerously elevated blood pressure. In her case, the persistent high blood pressure levels posed a serious risk, increasing the chances of complications such as heart disease, stroke, and organ damage if not treated in time.”
He further added, “This was a rare and highly challenging case. Located deep in the abdomen, ensconced snugly between major blood vessels like the aorta, renal vein, and artery, and pushing the kidney away, it was causing severe, uncontrolled hypertension. After careful evaluation, we opted for robotic-assisted surgery, which allowed us to access and remove the tumour with a high level of precision and safety. The endocrinologist helped control the blood pressure preoperatively, and the surgery was planned. The anaesthetists helped with controlling the widely fluctuating blood pressure during the surgery. The urologists were involved in planning to preserve the kidney. The minimally invasive robotic approach helped reduce surgical stress on her body and supported a smoother recovery.”
“What makes this case truly significant is that a young patient, who was living with uncertainty and a life-threatening condition, can now look forward to a normal and healthier life. If left untreated, this condition could have
led to severe complications such as heart damage, stroke, or organ failure. With timely intervention, the right technology, and a dedicated team approach, we were able to not only treat the condition but also restore her confidence, independence, and overall quality of life. She is recovering well, her blood pressure is normal without any medications, and we expect her to lead a stable and healthy life ahead,” said Dr Rao.
Rophina said, “I was struggling with very high blood pressure for a long time, and it was not improving despite treatment. It was worrying, especially at my age, and I did not know the cause. Travelling to another country for treatment was not easy, but I wanted a solution. At the hospital, the doctors explained everything clearly and gave me confidence. After the surgery, I feel much better, and my recovery has been smooth. I am truly grateful to Dr. Prashanth Rao and the entire team for giving me a second chance at life.”