Doc performs bariatric surgery on cancer survivor from Sudan

In a high-risk case, a 54-year-old rectal cancer survivor from Sudan, weighing 102 kgs, underwent bariatric surgery in a city hospital.

The patient, Makuc Gordon <g data-gr-id="35">Ayom</g> Thon, was suffering from rectal malignancy when he first came to India in 2012.

Weighing 102 kgs, he underwent an <g data-gr-id="41">Abdomino</g> Perineal Resection (commonly called APR) during which his entire rectum was removed and <g data-gr-id="34">colostomy</g> was created on May 10 in 2012.

The operation was performed by Dr Randeep Wadhawan, Director and Head, Department of Minimal Access, Bariatric and Gastrointestinal Surgery at a private hospital in Vasant Kunj.

The patient then received chemotherapy and radiotherapy at the hospital for the next eight months during which period he lost nearly 12 kgs.

In the intervening years, the already obese patient had put on more weight. Weighing 110 kgs, he sought counsel from Dr Wadhawan and was advised bariatric surgery in order to control his obesity and improve his quality of life.

A sleeve gastrectomy has since been conducted laparoscopically on Thon and the doctors claim that he has recovered fully and is ready to fly back home.

“Obesity is a major lifestyle problem today. The patient, having survived a rectal malignancy earlier, weighed more than what was healthy for a normal person.

“Since the patient had a family history of cancer, we counselled him to undergo a bariatric surgery to minimise the risk of a cancer relapse, obesity being a significant risk factor. We are happy that he has responded well to the treatment,” said Wadhawan.

Abrarali Dalal, Facility Director at the hospital said, “This unique treatment will not only minimise a relapse of cancer but will also improve the <g data-gr-id="36">patients</g> overall health. We wish him all the best, as he starts a new chapter in his life.”

There is a known relationship between obesity and colorectal cancer. It has been observed that obese men are prone to colorectal cancer with one in every three cancer deaths in <g data-gr-id="38">USA</g> linked to obesity, said Dalal.