Performs high-risk Hysterectomy on 93-year-old patient

Mysore/Mysuru: Manipal Hospitals Mysore has reinforced its expertise in Obstetrics and Gynaecology (OBG) with the successful surgical management of a 93-year-old woman diagnosed with a large symptomatic fibroid uterus, a rare occurrence at her age.

She had lower abdominal heaviness and pain while walking. The condition had begun to affect her overall quality of life.

The high-risk case was led by Dr. K.G. Amulya, Consultant – Obstetrics and Gynaecology, supported by an experienced multidisciplinary team involving anaesthetist, cardiologist, pulmonologist and nephrologist.

The patient, Alice Joseph, had consulted Dr. M.G. Satish Kumar, Senior Consultant – Internal Medicine, Manipal Hospitals Mysore, for her persistent abdominal pain and discomfort issues. After thorough evaluation, a fibroid uterus was identified as the cause of her symptoms and was referred to Dr. Amulya for expert gynaecological care.

After comprehensive evaluation, the team proceeded with an abdominal hysterectomy, selected to ensure maximum safety while effectively resolving the clinical problem. In elderly patients, tissues usually tend to be very fragile. This leads to complications like injury to surrounding vital structures like the bladder and intestines.

Postoperatively, the patient received excellent care focusing on pain management, prevention of any clot formation in the legs (which occurs in the in the post-surgical period in high-risk cases), early mobilization with an abdominal belt, good nutrition and progressive recovery.

She improved steadily and was discharged on the third postoperative day.

Speaking about the case, Dr. Amulya said, “Fibroid uterus of this size are uncommon to be diagnosed in women in their nineties and the associated fragility of the tissues in this age poses significant surgical challenges. Along with her cardiac history, every step — from preoperative assessment to intraoperative planning and postoperative care — had to be executed with precision. This surgery reflects the strength of our integrated approach, where clinical judgement, surgical expertise and multidisciplinary coordination come together to ensure safe outcomes, even in the most delicate cases.”

Sharing her perspective, Lizzy Cyriac, the patient’s daughter, said, “Given my mother’s age, we understood the risks involved, but the team explained every step clearly and supported us throughout the process.”