Advances in modern medicine are transforming the way complex chest conditions are treated. At Sooriya Hospital, this transformation came to life through the inspiring recovery of a 70-year-old gentleman who underwent minimally invasive chest surgery for a rare condition—proving that age is no barrier when expertise, technology, and compassionate care come together.
When Symptoms Pointed to Something More…
The patient arrived at Sooriya Hospitals with drooping eyelids and increasing breathing fatigue—symptoms that were affecting his daily life. Detailed evaluation revealed a small growth behind the breastbone known as a thymoma, a tumour closely linked with myasthenia gravis, a neurological condition that causes muscle weakness and fatigue.
Traditionally, such conditions were treated through open chest surgery, which involves a large incision, longer hospital stays, and extended recovery periods. However, the team at Sooriya Hospital chose a safer, more advanced approach.
Choosing a Gentle Yet Advanced Solution!
Under the leadership of Dr. Thejaswi N Marla ( Senior consultant – Minimally invasive Cardiothoracic surgeon, Group Co-Director of Cardiac Sciences) , the surgical team opted for a Keyhole Thoracic Surgery approach—specifically a Minimally Invasive Thymectomy using VATS chest surgery (Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery).
This keyhole thymectomy was performed through tiny incisions using a high-definition camera and precision instruments, eliminating the need for opening the chest. This method significantly reduces pain, scarring, blood loss, and recovery time, making it ideal even for elderly patients.
A Critical Role of Precision Anaesthesia
For patients with myasthenia gravis, anaesthesia requires exceptional care. Dr. Shapna Varma (Group Head – Department of Cardiac Anesthesia and Cardiac Intensive Services) at Sooriya Hospital, played a crucial role by employing advanced lung-isolation techniques and depth-of-anaesthesia monitoring to ensure safety throughout the procedure.
“In myasthenia gravis, every anaesthetic step matters,” she shared. “With precise monitoring and teamwork, we ensured a smooth and complication-free recovery.”
A Recovery That Spoke Volumes
The results were remarkable. The patient was awake and breathing comfortably within an hour after surgery. He required minimal ICU support and, to everyone’s delight, walked out of the ICU in just two days, smiling and pain-free.
This outcome highlights the effectiveness of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery and reinforces why minimally invasive chest surgery is rapidly becoming the gold standard for advanced chest procedures.
Why Keyhole Chest Surgery Makes a Difference
Compared to open chest surgery, keyhole thoracic surgery offers:
- Less post-operative pain
- Faster recovery and shorter hospital stay
- Minimal scarring
- Lower risk of complications
- Better outcomes, even in elderly patients
At Sooriya Hospital, such advanced chest procedures are supported by expert surgeons, skilled anaesthesiologists, and cutting-edge technology—all working together to deliver patient-first care.
Healing Through Expertise and Compassion
This successful case is a shining example of how minimally invasive thymectomy and modern anaesthetic techniques can dramatically improve patient outcomes. At Sooriya Hospital, every treatment plan is guided by precision, innovation, and compassion.
Helping Hands for Healing Hearts!
