Shimla
On January 7, 2026, a milestone was achieved in minimally invasive gynaecological surgery when a woman suffering from progressive abdominal distension, heavy menstrual bleeding, and severe pressure symptoms was finally relieved of years of distress.
The patient had been living with a massive uterine fibroid—equivalent in size to a full-term pregnancy—for several years, significantly affecting her quality of life.
Given the exceptional size of the uterus and the complexity involved, surgical removal was imperative. After detailed clinical evaluation, meticulous pre-operative planning, and careful risk assessment, a minimally invasive laparoscopic approach was chosen in the best interest of the patient—despite the challenges traditionally associated with such large fibroid uteri.
The surgery was successfully performed at Mandav Hospital, Gutkar (Mandi) by Dr. Uday Bhanu Rana, Consultant Gynaecologist and Advanced Laparoscopic Surgeon.
The procedure lasted approximately 2.5–3 hours and was technically extremely demanding. The challenges included the extraordinary size and weight of the uterus, severely distorted pelvic anatomy, markedly restricted operative space, and significantly increased vascularity—factors that substantially elevate surgical risk. Despite these obstacles, the surgical team remained resolute and executed the procedure with precision.
Advanced 3D laparoscopic vision, careful and methodical dissection, and stepwise devascularisation techniques were employed to maintain surgical safety and control. Owing to the team’s expertise and meticulous execution, the surgery was completed successfully without any intra-operative or post-operative complications.
Laparoscopic removal of a fibroid uterus of this magnitude is exceedingly rare. Based on a review of available medical literature and previously reported cases, the largest fibroid uterus removed laparoscopically in India prior to this weighed approximately 4.5 kg. In this case, the uterus weighed 5.21 kg, placing it among the largest fibroid uteri ever managed through a purely laparoscopic approach, marking a significant achievement in minimally invasive surgery.
Dr. Rana was ably assisted by an experienced multidisciplinary team comprising Dr. Priyanka Sharma (Fellow Gynaecologist), Dr. Anshit Pathania (Anaesthetist), scrub nurses Shivani Sharma and Harshita Sharma, and OT assistants Mahesh Ji and Jatin, whose coordinated efforts were instrumental in the success of this complex procedure.
Professional Background
Dr. Uday Bhanu Rana is a senior Consultant Gynaecologist with over 14 years of specialised experience in advanced laparoscopic and minimally invasive gynaecological surgery, with special interest in endometriosis, complex pelvic surgeries, and gynaecological oncology. He has previously served at KNH Shimla and ZH Mandi, and is currently practicing at Mandav Hospital, Gutkar.
To date, Dr. Rana has successfully performed over 8,000 complex laparoscopic surgeries and more than 10,000 laparoscopic procedures overall, establishing him as a leading expert in the field.
This landmark surgery not only transformed the patient’s life but also stands as a testament to how expertise, technology, and determination can push the boundaries of minimally invasive surgery—offering safer, faster recovery options even in the most challenging cases.
