‘Lucky escape’ and high-risk kidney removal surgery gives patient new lease of life

After a chance ultrasound at Zulekha Hospital in Sharjah, 45-year-old Mr. Niraj Kumar Shrestha received a lucky escape from a potentially life threatening diagnosis of kidney cancer. The ultrasound, carried out in April, identified the tumour in the patient’s left kidney, and a removal of the entire kidney shortly followed.

The high-risk procedure, a radical nephrectomy, removed the whole left kidney along with its surrounding fat and covering layer. The three and a half hour surgery was performed at Zulekha Hospital Sharjah by Specialist Urologist, Dr. Saurabh Singh along with a team of highly skilled and experienced anaesthetists and nurses. Zulekha Healthcare Group features a tumour board consisting of Medical Oncologists who were consulted after the initial diagnosis of cancer.

Dr Singh said: “We are pleased that we were able catch this tumour in its early stages before it spread and became much more advanced, and in doing so, hope that Niraj is able to live a healthy and fulfilling life. Although cancers such as these can be hereditary, it is strongly recommended to engage in a healthy lifestyle through diet and exercise, as well as avoiding smoking and processed foods to help prevent many diseases, including kidney cancer.”

Niraj visited the Zulekha Hospital facilities complaining of pain in his right kidney due to kidney stones. During this visit an ultrasound proceeded to expose the tumour in his other (left) kidney. The patient had no symptoms of the cancer and as a result of the scan, was caught during an early stage.
 

Niraj explained: “I am very lucky that a thorough ultrasound was carried out on both of my kidneys enabling the tumour in my left kidney to be identified and the stones in my right to be treated. I am very grateful for the world-class care and due diligence I have experienced from Dr. Singh, and team at Zulekha Hospital. It is with no doubt that the scan and the doctor’s rapid and expert response saved my life.”

Three months following the surgery, the patient has resumed his normal life and he stays hydrated by drinking a lot of water.