Doctors Perform Rare Surgery on Child

In Berhampur, Odisha, an extraordinary feat of medical proficiency took place at the government-run MKCG Medical College and Hospital. A team of doctors executed a pioneering laparoscopic bilateral adrenalectomy on a 9-year-old girl afflicted by Cushing syndrome, marking the first successful intervention of its kind in the state.

Cushing syndrome originates from a rare genetic condition known as primary pigmented nodular adrenocortical disease (PPNAD), a disorder of scarce occurrence, affecting fewer than one in 200,000 individuals. This intricate procedure required nearly three hours, conducted on April 9, according to a medical professional.

“This could be the inaugural case within the state, and our medical team managed to successfully treat the young girl. Her state has improved, and she will remain under observation in the hospital for several days,” confirmed Suchitra Dash, the superintendent of the medical college and hospital.

Upon inspecting the patient on Monday, the medical college principal, Santosh Kumar Mishra, alongside the superintendent, expressed gratitude to the team of physicians for executing the challenging laparoscopy, acknowledging it as an arduous endeavor.

Cushing syndrome is distinguished by adrenal glands of normal to reduced size, featuring multiple small cortical pigmented nodules. The disease triggers excessive secretion of cortisol by the adrenal glands, resulting in potential cardiovascular complications, stroke, and premature mortality if not addressed promptly.

The treatment involves the surgical excision of both adrenal glands and lifelong management with low-dose corticosteroids, elucidated P Ravi Kumar, professor from the endocrinology department.

The intricate surgery was performed by an assemblage of specialists, including pediatric surgeons, urologists, anesthesiologists, and pediatrics experts. Additional support in steroid management during the operation was provided by the parent endocrinology department, explained Manas Ranjan Dash, associate professor of pediatric surgery, who led the team.

Ravi Kumar noted that the patient, hailing from Khandadeuli village in Ganjam district, was admitted to the endocrinology department on April 4. She was experiencing symptoms such as excessive weight gain, acne, and elevated blood pressure. Following a comprehensive evaluation, she was diagnosed with Cushing syndrome, he stated.