5.5-kg tumour on kidney enters Guinness Book as largest ever

A surgery performed to remove a massive tumour from a woman’s stomach has made its way into the Guinness Book of World Records. Three months ago, when this surgery was performed, the tumour removed was termed as ‘heaviest’ which was later confirmed to be the heaviest tumour documented till date in the world.

The doctors said that the surgery had several risks as the 5.5 kilograms (31 by 19 cm) tumour had completely covered her right kidney.

A 28-year-old woman, Manjula Devi, resident of Darbhanga, Bihar had an abdominal lump on right side accompanied by pain and blood in urine for the last three years. “She travelled to Mumbai seeking treatment for her peculiar condition. She eventually approached the urology department of Sion Hospital,” said a doctor. The size and weight of the tumour, which the doctors retrieved from the patient’s stomach, were of unimaginable proportions.

The doctor, who treated Devi, said that they conducted a CT scan in which it showed that there was a huge lump which completely replaced the kidney.

“The tumour which weighed 5.5 kg (31 by 19 cm) was taken out had completely replaced her right kidney. A huge tumour was compressing the liver and pushed the great vessels (inferior vena cava), intestines and the pancreas to the left half of the abdomen.,” said a senior doctor.

This tumour has been documented as the world’s largest renal tumour by the Guinness Book of World Records. The hospital has received the official certificate from the world record managing team of the Guinness book.

The head of the urology department of Sion hospital said that it was difficult surgery which had several risk factors. “The tumour was on her right side. Vital blood veins are on the right side of our body. If the tumour is massive then sometimes you have to open the chest. We had taken her family into confidence and had told them about the risks involved. I am really glad that we successfully carried out this surgery,” said Dr Ajit Sawant, Professor, and head of urology department.

Dr Sawant further added that after the surgery, Manju Devi has resumed her day to day activities and now is on regular followups. She visits the hospital once in three months for a check-up.