Mumbai: Narayana Health SRCC Children’s Hospital, Mumbai, has successfully treated a rare and complex mediastinal mass in a 7-year-old girl, using advanced thoracoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery to ensure a faster recovery and minimal scarring.
The young patient had suffered from a lower respiratory tract infection three months ago and, during radiological investigations, was diagnosed with a mediastinal mass. After an ultrasound-guided biopsy confirmed the diagnosis, the surgical team planned a thoracoscopic excision due to the tumor’s complex location.
The mass was positioned posterolaterally along the D10–L1 vertebrae, sitting by the side of the diaphragm with the part of the tumour above and below the diaphragm. The tumour was also in very close proximity to the aorta and the thoracic duct an area extremely difficult to approach, even in open surgery.
Thoracoscopic surgery allowed the team to surgically remove the tumor completely with its capsule while safeguarding all major thoracic and abdominal structures, thereby avoiding potentially lethal complications.
The procedure was conducted under the care of a multidisciplinary team, including paediatric anaesthetists who ensured effective intraoperative pain management. The patient’s recovery was smooth she began oral intake on the first postoperative day, mobilized by the second day, and was discharged on the third day.
Dr. Rasik Shah, Senior Consultant, Paediatric Surgery, Narayana Health SRCC Children’s Hospital, who led the surgery, said: “Thoracoabdominal tumor in children require extreme precision and care.
In this case, the tumor’s location near critical structures like the aorta, the thoracic duct and diaphragm with the part of tumour in abdomen made it particularly challenging. Thoracoscopic surgery not only allowed meticulous removal without damage but also ensured a cosmetically better scar, less pain, and faster recovery compared to open surgery.”
Underlining the hospital’s expertise in performing complex minimally invasive paediatric surgeries, Dr. Zubin Pereira, Facility Director at Narayana Health SRCC Children’s Hospital, said: “This case showcases our hospital’s virtuosity in performing such surgeries. Our focus is always on combining safety, precision, and compassion to give children the best possible outcomes.”
Narayana Health SRCC Children’s Hospital remains committed to delivering cutting-edge paediatric care through advanced technology, skilled specialists, and a child-centric approach.