Udaipur: A 22-year-old man suffering from thalassemia major has undergone successful surgery for a severely enlarged spleen measuring nearly 30 cm at Geetanjali Hospital in Udaipur.

The complex procedure was performed by a team led by surgical gastroenterologist Dr Hemant Jain, with hematologist Dr Nitin Chaudhary playing a key role in the patient's treatment and perioperative management.

The patient had been dependent on regular blood transfusions for the past 15-20 years. Doctors said he required around 1-2 units of blood every week, amounting to nearly 7-8 units a month. The enlarged spleen had also resulted in low haemoglobin, white blood cell and platelet counts.

The patient had consulted hospitals in Jaipur, Udaipur and Ahmedabad, but given the complexity of his condition and the risks associated with surgery, he was advised to seek treatment at a specialised centre.

Following a detailed evaluation at Geetanjali Hospital, the surgical team decided to proceed with the procedure. Dr Chaudhary and the anaesthesia team were involved in planning and managing the case. Before surgery, the patient's haemoglobin level was around 3 gm/dL, and he was given seven units of blood to optimise his condition for the operation.

According to the doctors, the patient did not require any additional blood transfusion during or after the surgery. His postoperative recovery was satisfactory and he remained under medical observation.

The need for blood transfusions has also reduced significantly following the surgery. During a follow-up period of around one-and-a-half to two months, the patient required only one unit of blood, compared with 7-8 units a month before the procedure. His haemoglobin level has remained above 7 gm/dL during follow-up.

Dr Jain said detailed pre-operative assessment, careful anaesthesia management and coordination among specialists were crucial in managing such a complex case. Dr Chaudhary's involvement helped in addressing the patient's haematological risks and ensuring appropriate blood management.

The Surgical Gastroenterology Department at Geetanjali Hospital said its specialist team, supported by modern anaesthesia facilities, is treating complex surgical cases through a multidisciplinary approach.