A 56-year-old Delhi woman, who endured nearly six years of severe discomfort and restricted mobility due to a massive fibroid uterus has finally made a recovery after doctors removed the growth. The tumor weighed 18.5 kilograms, which, suggest doctors is roughly equal to five newborn babies.Years Of Suffering Before The SurgeryThe woman first learned of her fibroid uterus during the COVID-19 pandemic. What began as a manageable condition gradually worsened as one of the fibroids grew to an extraordinary size. It expanded in her abdomen and had put constant pressure on surrounding organs. Despite the physical limitations, she delayed surgery for years, fearing the risks associated with the procedure.Her symptoms slowly became harder to ignore. Everyday activities became exhausting, mobility was restricted, and she experienced persistent discomfort from the sheer size of the mass. Internally, the fibroid pressed on the bladder, intestines, and ureters, although these organs remained functional because the growth progressed slowly, explained Dr Dinesh Kansal, Senior Director and Head, Obstetrics & Gynaecology and Laparoscopic Surgery, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, BLK Max Super Speciality Hospital.Why the Surgery Was DelayedDr Kansal explains that fibroids are generally benign growths in the uterus that often develop gradually, which can make women underestimate their impact. In this case, the patient postponed treatment partly due to the uncertainty during the pandemic, but also because of the perceived danger of surgery. Over time, the fibroid’s size and the complexity of removing it increased significantly, making the operation far more challenging.Medical experts stress that delays in addressing such conditions can complicate treatment. Large fibroids can distort internal anatomy, create extensive scar tissue, and place pressure on vital organs, all of which raise the surgical risks.A High-Risk ProcedureWhen the woman finally agreed to surgery, her case presented unusual challenges. “This patient had a massive tumor in her uterus. It was more complex and larger than we anticipated from her pre-surgical scans," says Dr Kansal. The fibroid was so large that it had displaced and adhered to nearby organs. She also had internal scarring from earlier operations, adding to the complexity. Removing the mass required careful pre-operative planning and real-time adjustments during the operation.The surgery lasted about five hours, involving a multidisciplinary team that included specialists from gynecology, urology, anesthesiology, and critical care. The patient’s weight dropped from 69 kilograms before surgery to 51.5 kilograms afterward, a change largely due to the removal of the fibroid and related tissue.Dr Supriya Mahipal, Associate Consultant, Obstetrics & Gynaecology at BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital said, "This case demanded not only technical skill but constant intraoperative judgment."Despite the challenges, the procedure was completed successfully. She was discharged on the fourth day post-surgery and has since returned to an active lifestyle.Understanding Uterus FibroidsUterine fibroids, also called leiomyomas, are non-cancerous tumors that grow in or on the walls of the uterus. They are common in women of reproductive age, though they can occur later in life. Many fibroids are small and asymptomatic, but some can grow large enough to cause abdominal swelling, pelvic pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, frequent urination, or constipation.Doctors note that fibroids may develop slowly over years, which can make symptoms easy to dismiss. However, early diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent complications. Large fibroids not only complicate surgery but can also lead to anemia, fertility issues, and damage to surrounding organs.Medical professionals advise women to seek evaluation for persistent abdominal swelling, unexplained weight changes, or ongoing pelvic discomfort. Timely intervention can mean simpler procedures, fewer risks, and better outcomes.
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