Bengaluru: Aster RV Hospital in Bengaluru has successfully managed a rare and challenging case of low rectal carcinoma in a patient of Indian origin from Dubai.
The surgical oncology team at the hospital achieved a remarkable outcome, preserving the patient's anal sphincter and avoiding the need for a permanent colostomy, a life-altering consequence that had initially been recommended elsewhere.
The 72-year-old patient had previously consulted multiple medical centres, where the suggested course of action was a complete removal of the anal sphincter. Such a procedure would have required the patient to live with a permanent colostomy bag.
Seeking a second opinion, the patient visited Aster RV Hospital, where the case was evaluated by a multidisciplinary clinic composed of experts across oncology specialities.
A detailed diagnostic protocol was initiated, including advanced imaging techniques like MRI and PET-CT, along with a biopsy and genomic profiling of the tumour (including KRAS, NRAS, and BRAF markers).
The collective input from radiation and medical oncology teams helped guide a carefully tailored treatment plan. The decision to pursue neoadjuvant chemoradiation was made collaboratively, ensuring the patient and their family were actively involved in all aspects of planning and care.
Dr. Jagannath Dixit, Senior Consultant – Surgical Oncology at Aster RV Hospital, commented on the significance of the achievement, stating:
“Sphincter preservation in very low rectal cancers is one of the most complex goals in surgical oncology, as it directly impacts a patient’s quality of life. Through meticulous planning, advanced technology, and a multidisciplinary approach, we were able to achieve both oncological safety and functional preservation.
This case reflects our philosophy of combining patient-centric decision-making with cutting-edge surgical techniques.”
The patient underwent five weeks of chemoradiation, followed by nine weeks of metronomic chemotherapy. Subsequent scans showed a strong tumour response, allowing the surgical team to perform a robotic-assisted ultra-low anterior resection.
The procedure included a hand-sewn coloanal anastomosis and a temporary ileostomy. The patient recovered quickly and without complications, regaining normal continence and function postoperatively.
This case stands as a significant milestone in patient-centred, advanced cancer care and showcases the effectiveness of collaborative, multidisciplinary treatment strategies in even the most complex oncological cases.