In the capital of Ukraine, doctors carried out a unique laparoscopic surgery for the removal of a colon tumor in a late-pregnancy woman. Currently, the health of both mother and child is secure.

The National Cancer Institute reported this.

A 35-year-old mother of five from Rivne region approached the medical team at 19 weeks of pregnancy.

During a routine ultrasound, a malignant formation was discovered - stage III adenocarcinoma of the transverse colon, accompanied by anemia and partial bowel obstruction.

The treatment strategy was established at a multidisciplinary council of doctors. The main goal was to save the woman's life while preserving the pregnancy.

Such surgeries at late pregnancy stages are rare in Ukraine, with laparoscopic access being almost non-existent.

Doctors considered many factors: the biological characteristics of the tumor, physiological changes due to pregnancy, and the presence of an enlarged uterus with a viable fetus, which complicated the manipulations.

Choosing the laparoscopic method minimized trauma and risks to the child. This significantly reduced postoperative pain and the need for painkillers.

“This was a significant challenge, as we were responsible for two lives,” said surgeon Vitaliy Zvirich.

According to the doctors, the woman is recovering quickly after the procedure and feels well. The fetus's condition, according to specialists, is stable. On the third day after the operation, her husband took her home.

After receiving the final histological results, the medical team will determine the further chemotherapy plan for the patient.