Photo Credit: Times of India
In a remarkable medical achievement, doctors at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, have successfully performed a complex brain surgery on Sunil Kumar, a 35-year-old Jammu and Kashmir Police head constable standing at an extraordinary height of 7 feet 7 inches.
Kumar, affectionately dubbed the “Great Khali of Jammu” due to his towering stature, was diagnosed with acromegaly – a rare hormonal disorder caused by a functional pituitary adenoma leading to excessive growth hormone secretion. This condition affects approximately 7 to 8 individuals per million globally.
The surgical team, led by Dr. Rajesh Chhabra, Dr. Apinderpreet Singh, and Dr. Shilpi Bose from PGIMER’s Department of Neurosurgery, employed an endoscopic transnasal approach – a minimally invasive technique that avoids any incision on the head – to remove the tumor.
Given Kumar’s exceptional height and weight, the procedure posed unique challenges, particularly concerning anesthesia and positioning. Dr. Rajeev Chauhan, Additional Professor in the Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, noted that the team conducted a full rehearsal the day before surgery to reconfigure the operation theater setup, ensuring safety and precision during the procedure.
Post-surgery, Kumar’s hormone levels began to normalize, and he experienced significant improvements in joint pain, vision, and daily activities within weeks.
This case marks PGIMER’s 100th successful treatment of pituitary tumors, underscoring the institute’s commitment to excellence in neurosurgical care. Prof. Vivek Lal, PGIMER Director, lauded the collaborative effort, stating, “The successful treatment of over 100 complex pituitary tumor cases, including one of the tallest recorded patients at 7 feet 7 inches, is a testament to the clinical excellence, precision, and teamwork at PGIMER.”
Functional pituitary adenomas, though non-cancerous, can lead to significant health issues if left untreated. Symptoms vary depending on the hormone involved and can include abnormal growth of hands and feet (acromegaly), weight gain and facial puffiness (Cushing’s disease), and breast discharge with irregular periods in women not pregnant (prolactinoma). Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for effective management.
PGIMER continues to lead in the diagnosis and treatment of complex neuroendocrine conditions, offering advanced options like Gamma Knife radiosurgery. Individuals experiencing abnormal growth patterns, menstrual changes, or unexplained weight gain are advised to seek medical evaluation to rule out hormonal imbalances and pituitary disorders.
