In a significant medical breakthrough, the 1020‑bedded Shalinitai Meghe Hospital & Research Centre (SMHRC), Wanadongri, has successfully treated a rare and high‑risk right‑sided pheochromocytoma in a 51‑year‑old woman from Narkhed tehsil, Nagpur district—marking a major milestone in advanced endocrine surgery at the institution.
Gold Rate
May 06- 2026 - Time 10.30Hrs
The patient presented with non‑specific abdominal discomfort, severe palpitations, recurrent headaches, and dangerously fluctuating blood pressure. Detailed diagnostic imaging revealed an adrenal tumour known for secreting excessive catecholamines such as adrenaline, causing sudden and extreme spikes in blood pressure—sometimes touching 250 mmHg—making the condition potentially life‑threatening.
Given the complexity of pheochromocytoma, a multidisciplinary team comprising specialists from Surgery, Anaesthesiology, Medicine, and Endocrinology was constituted. The patient underwent rigorous preoperative optimization with alpha‑ and beta‑blockers to stabilize blood pressure. Despite careful preparation, her blood pressure continued to remain highly labile, ranging between 160 and 240 mmHg, underscoring the gravity of the case.
Dr. Pravin Nikhade, Professor, Department of Surgery, explained, “Pheochromocytoma is a rare but highly dangerous tumour. If not treated in time, it can lead to serious cardiac and cerebrovascular complications.”
The surgery posed extraordinary challenges. During tumour manipulation, the patient experienced severe blood pressure fluctuations. A critical moment arose immediately after adrenal vein clipping, when blood pressure sharply dropped below 120 mmHg, necessitating urgent intervention.
Dr. Anjali Borkar, Professor & Head, Department of Anaesthesia, emphasized, “Such cases demand continuous invasive monitoring, instant pharmacological adjustments, and seamless coordination with the surgical team. The role of precise anaesthetic control cannot be overstated.”
Despite the risks, the team successfully performed a laparoscopic right adrenalectomy—the first of its kind at SMHRC. The minimally invasive procedure required exceptional precision, minimal tumour handling, and exact timing during adrenal vein ligation. The surgery was completed with minimal blood loss and stable intraoperative parameters.
Postoperatively, the patient was closely monitored in the ICU and ward. Her recovery was uneventful, with stable vitals, effective pain control, and early mobilization. At discharge, her blood pressure normalized to 120/80 mmHg and pulse rate to 80 bpm, without the need for any antihypertensive medication—signifying a complete clinical turnaround.
The surgery was performed by Dr. Pravin Nikhade, Dr. Amit Gilani, and Dr. Anjali Mane, supported by surgery residents Drs. Rupesh, Joben, Anjali, Sandeep, Ayesha, Janil, Raima, and Sravanthi, under the supervision of Dr. Anil Akulwar.
Anaesthesia care was expertly managed by Dr. Prathibha Deshmukh, Dr. Anjali Borkar, and Dr. Priyanka Parate and team.
Endocrinology management was led by Dr. Pankaj Ferwani, while perioperative medical care involved the physician team headed by Dr. Milind Bhrushubdi, HoD Medicine, and ICU team led by Dr. Amit Sutar.
Overall clinical guidance was provided by Dr. Rajiv Sonarkar, Professor & Head, Department of General Surgery.
The OT, ICU, and ward nursing teams, along with paramedical staff, ensured uninterrupted, round‑the‑clock care, playing a vital role in patient safety and recovery.
Dr. Vasant Gawande, Medical Superintendent, SMHRC, noted that the entire procedure was carried out free of cost under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY). Cashless formalities were efficiently facilitated by Mr. Ahmindra Jain, under the guidance of Dr. Sudhir Singh, AMS.
Dr. Rajiv Sonarkar stated, “This case highlights the power of multidisciplinary coordination, advanced laparoscopic expertise, and meticulous anaesthetic management in handling complex endocrine tumours.”
Expressing pride in the achievement, Dr. Anup Marar, Director, DMIHER Nagpur Campus, said, “Successfully managing such a high‑risk case reflects our institution’s clinical excellence and unwavering commitment to delivering advanced, patient‑centred care to the underprivileged.”
Dr. Nilesh Agarwal, COO, DMIHER (DU), added, “This milestone marks a significant leap forward for SMHRC in minimally invasive endocrine surgery and reinforces our mission to provide high‑quality, accessible healthcare.”
