Bhubaneswar, June 6: Doctors at AIIMS Bhubaneswar have successfully removed a giant Plexiform Neurofibroma weighing nearly 7 kilograms from the arm of a 47-year-old woman, restoring her quality of life after three decades of suffering. The patient, a daily-wage labourer from Baripada in Odisha's Mayurbhanj district, had endured severe disability due to the massive swelling that extended from her upper arm to the back of her hand.

The tumour, measuring about 45 cm in length, had progressively enlarged over the years, restricting shoulder movement, compromising hand function, and making routine activities extremely difficult. The overlying skin had become darkened and ulcerated due to prolonged pressure. Detailed investigations revealed a highly vascular lesion, making surgery particularly challenging because of the risk of heavy bleeding.

The complex case was managed in two stages. The first surgery, lasting six hours, removed the forearm component of the tumour. After a six-month recovery period, the second surgery was performed to excise the hand component in a three-hour procedure. Advanced vessel-sealing technology (LigaSure) was employed to control intraoperative bleeding, supported by blood transfusions.

Congratulating the medical team, AIIMS Bhubaneswar Executive Director Prof. (Dr.) Ashutosh Biswas said the successful execution of the surgery has given the patient a new lease of life. The surgical team from the Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery included Dr. Sanjay Kumar Giri, Dr. Syama Sundar Behera, Dr. Ahana Bandyopadhyay, Dr. Surya Yashaswi PVS, Dr. Keerthi G, Dr. Nikhil Kumar Sharma, and Dr. Asutosh Adhikari, with anaesthetic support from Dr. Devishree Das and Dr. Pooja.
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Following tumour removal, the raw areas were reconstructed using skin grafts harvested from the excised tissue itself, avoiding additional wounds at donor sites. The grafts have shown excellent uptake, and the patient is recovering well under regular follow-up.

The successful management of this rare case underscores the importance of advanced surgical expertise, multidisciplinary teamwork, and comprehensive perioperative care in treating long-standing disabling conditions.