In an extraordinary display of medical brilliance and teamwork, doctors at Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram, have pulled off a near-miraculous surgery — removing a massive cancerous tumor weighing 10.3 kg from the abdomen of a 58-year-old man from Yemen. The tumor, measuring an unbelievable 35 x 26 cm, had completely engulfed the patient’s stomach, leaving doctors with no choice but to remove and reconstruct the organ.

For Md Abdullah Hussain, the past three months had been a nightmare. He suffered from severe abdominal pain, swelling, black stools, weakness, and anemia. Hospital after hospital turned him away due to the complexity and high risks of his condition. Desperate for help, he finally arrived at Fortis Gurugram, where a CT scan revealed the shocking presence of a large vascular gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) that had taken over his abdominal cavity.

Dr. Amit Javed, Senior Director of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Minimal Access and Bariatric Surgery at Fortis, led the high-stakes procedure. "The tumor had pushed and compressed vital organs — the small bowel, stomach, pancreas, spleen, and duodenum — and was dangling from the stomach like a giant football. It carried a huge risk of massive bleeding,” Dr. Javed shared.

The medical team carried out a complex gastrectomy, removing the entire stomach along with the tumor. But the challenge didn’t end there. Since the stomach is vital for food storage and digestion, doctors ingeniously reconstructed it by fashioning a pouch from the small intestine and attaching it to the food pipe (oesophagus). The delicate surgery took nearly 6-7 hours, but the results were worth it — the patient walked out of the hospital in stable condition just nine days later.

“Gastrointestinal stromal tumors are rare and unpredictable,” Dr. Javed explained. “We’re grateful we could intervene in time and prevent life-threatening complications. Today, the patient is doing well.”

Yash Rawat, Vice President and Facility Director at Fortis Memorial Research Institute, applauded the team’s achievement: “This case was exceptionally challenging due to the sheer size and weight of the tumor. The expertise of Dr. Amit Javed and his team, combined with our world-class facilities, made this success possible. At Fortis Gurugram, we are dedicated to providing cutting-edge care and taking on even the toughest medical challenges.”

Md Abdullah Hussain’s journey from despair to recovery is a powerful reminder of how medical innovation, skilled hands, and unwavering determination can save lives — even against seemingly insurmountable odds.