22-Year-Old Iraqi Woman Successfully Treated for Rare 1.2 Kg Pancreatic Tumour via Complex Whipple Procedure at Fortis Gurugram
: Doctors at Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram has successfully performed a highly complex Whipple Procedure on a 22-year-old woman from Iraq, diagnosed with Solid Pseudopapillary Epithelial Neoplasm (SPEN) – a giant and rare pancreatic tumour – predominantly diagnosed in young females. The complex surgery was led by Dr Amit Javed, Principal Director and HoD, GI, GI Onco, Bariatric, Robotic and MIS Surgery, along with Dr. Narola Yanger, Principal Consultant in Gastrointestinal Oncology, Fortis Gurugram.
The patient was admitted with severe upper abdominal pain radiating to the back. She had been suffering for several years and was psychologically distressed after multiple consultations at hospitals in India and abroad, where she was reportedly told that surgery would be extremely difficult due to the large size of the tumour and its involvement with critical blood vessels. It was then that she decided to seek consult at Fortis Gurugram.
Upon admission at Fortis Gurugram, detailed medical investigations revealed a giant solid cystic tumour measuring nearly 15 × 10 cm in the head of the pancreas, weighing approximately 1.2 kg. The tumour had extensive involvement of major abdominal veins and was closely attached to surrounding structures, including the body’s main large vein carrying blood back to the heart and a part of the small intestine, making the surgery highly challenging.
The multi-disciplinary team of doctors decided to perform a Whipple procedure in order to completely remove the tumour while ensuring normal blood flow to the liver and intestines. Complete removal of the tumour offers the best chance of cure in SPEN cases. Following the 6-hour-long surgery, the patient was closely monitored in the ICU. A follow-up imaging confirmed complete tumour removal and no significant postoperative complications. The patient showed excellent recovery and was discharged in stable condition within 9 days.
Dr Amit Javed, Principal Director and HoD, GI, GI Onco, Bariatric, Robotic and MIS Surgery, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram said, “This was an extremely rare and medically demanding case because of the giant size of the tumour and its involvement with the nearby veins. Such tumours in young patients require meticulous planning, advanced surgical expertise and close multidisciplinary coordination. Complete surgical excision remains the best chance of cure in SPEN, and we are pleased that the patient recovered well after this highly complex procedure. If the patient was not treated on time, the tumor could have continued to enlarge and further involve major blood vessels and surrounding organs, potentially leading to obstruction, bleeding and severe pain. Delayed treatment would also have made surgery significantly more difficult and riskier.”
Dr. Narola Yanger, Principal Consultant in Gastrointestinal Oncology, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram added, “The biggest challenge in this surgery was safely removing the tumour while reconstructing the portal venous system to maintain adequate blood flow to the liver and intestines. Delayed treatment could have led to further vascular involvement, obstruction, bleeding or even metastatic spread, making surgery far riskier. This successful outcome highlights the importance of timely intervention and advanced surgical care.”
Yash Rawat, Facility Director & Senior Vice-President, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram said, “Managing such a rare and highly complex pancreatic tumor in a young patient reflects the strength of our multidisciplinary expertise and advanced surgical capabilities at Fortis Gurugram. The successful outcome of this case underscores our commitment to delivering world-class clinical care through cutting-edge technology, collaborative excellence and patient-centric treatment.”
