India, June 30, 2023: American Oncology Institute, Guntur has successfully treated a 45-year-old male patient with ocular myasthenia gravis (OMG) and anterior mediastinal thymoma. Ocular myasthenia gravis is a rare autoimmune disorder that affects the muscles that move the eyes and eyelids. The symptoms of ocular myasthenia gravis include double vision (seeing two images instead of one), trouble focusing, and drooping eyelids. In this particular case, the patient's condition was complicated by the presence of an anterior mediastinal thymoma, a tumor located in the thymus gland situated behind the breastbone.
Kranti Thumma (name changed) was presented with the complaint of bilateral PTOSIS (drooping of both upper eye lids). The symptoms were visible in the later half of the day compared to morning. After further evaluation and investigation, the patient in consultation with the family was recommended for VATS (Video-assisted thoracoscopic) thymectomy.
Dr Phanindra Kumar Nagisetty, Consultant Surgical Oncologist led the surgical procedure along with Dr Chandana Vemuri, Consultant Surgical Oncologist and Dr Sai Babu, Anesthesiology. The procedure known as right-sided VATS thymectomy was performed thoracoscopically with a small incision for specimen retrieval. The minimally invasive surgical procedure unlike traditional sternotomy involves making small incisions and using a thoracoscope, a thin tube with a camera, to visualize and remove the thymus gland. The approach resulted in reduced postoperative pain, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery for the patient.
Elaborating on the procedure, Dr Phanindra Kumar Nagisetty, Consultant Surgical Oncologist, said, "This case presented unique challenges due to the simultaneous presence of ocular myasthenia gravis and an anterior mediastinal thymoma. By performing the right-sided VATS thymectomy thoracoscopically, we were able to effectively remove the thymus gland and the tumor, while minimizing the invasiveness of the procedure and promoting a quicker recovery for the patient."
Mahendra Reddy, Regional Chief Operating Officer, said, “The successful outcome of this complex case highlights AOI’s commitment to providing innovative and personalized cancer care. By employing cutting-edge technologies and leveraging the expertise of a multidisciplinary team, we strive to deliver the best possible outcomes for patients facing challenging conditions. We at AOI are dedicated to improving patient outcomes and we will continue to explore new treatment modalities and techniques to ensure the highest level of care for our patients."
American Oncology Institute (AOI) with its full-fledged facility at Bommidala Cancer Institute (Pedakakini) is regarded as one of the top hospitals for cancer in Guntur. As part of its expansion plan, AOI has spread its network of super-specialty cancer hospitals in India and South Asia with standardized cancer treatment protocols and pathways as followed in the leading oncology centers in the US. Established in 1998, the state-of-the-art hospital is renowned to serve cancer patients from in and around Guntur district due to its strategic location – the hospital is adjacent to NH 5 on Guntur-Vijayawada Road; 6 km from Guntur railway station; and about 1 km from Pedakakani village. AOI Guntur, offers comprehensive cancer treatment services that include radiation oncology, surgical oncology, and medical oncology, for people across all age groups. The hospital provides the highest level of care and treatment options in a comfortable yet patient-centric environment, that’s at par with international standards.
