Ranchi Sadar Hospital performs rare Keyhole Surgery
PNS
Ranchi
In a significant achievement for Jharkhand’s public healthcare system, surgeons at Ranchi Sadar Hospital have successfully removed a massive 1.45-kg spleen from a patient using advanced laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery. The complex procedure was performed free of cost under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, and the patient has recovered well and been discharged.
The patient, Sulochana Devi, a resident of Anedih village in Bundu block, had been suffering for several years from persistent abdominal pain, heaviness in the abdomen and severe weakness. Despite visiting several hospitals, the exact cause of her illness remained undiagnosed. At some centres, doctors even suspected cancer or a serious blood disorder, leaving the family deeply distressed.
Her husband, Mrityunjay Mahto, a small farmer, continued searching for better treatment despite financial constraints. At Ranchi Sadar Hospital, doctors found that her spleen had enlarged to several times its normal size. Her haemoglobin level had dropped to just 5 g/dL, indicating severe anaemia, and continued to fall despite repeated blood transfusions.
An MRI scan conducted at RIMS revealed that the spleen measured approximately 26×16 cm. After consultation with oncology specialists, doctors decided to remove the organ and send it for biopsy.
On June 15, 2026, the surgical team successfully carried out the highly challenging laparoscopic splenectomy. Removing such a large spleen through minimally invasive surgery is considered technically demanding. The excised spleen measured 18×16 cm and weighed 1.45 kg.
Following the operation, Sulochana Devi made a remarkable recovery. Her haemoglobin level improved to 11 g/dL, and she was discharged in stable condition.
The surgery was led by Dr. Ajit Kumar, with support from Dr. Vasudha, Dr. Praveen, Sister-in-Charge Nelly, OT assistants Sandeep, Santosh, Srishti, Sarita and Sanju, along with the operation theatre team.
