Innovative Scarless Surgery Successfully Removes Tumor from Elderly Patient

Surgeons at Yatharth Super Specialty Hospital achieved a remarkable feat by removing a stomach tumor from an 80-year-old patient using a scarless technique. This innovative endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR) allowed for a swift recovery, with the patient discharged within 24 hours. Unlike traditional surgeries that involve significant pain and extended hospital stays, this advanced method minimizes trauma and offers numerous benefits, particularly for elderly patients or those with existing health conditions. As medical technology progresses, such procedures are transforming gastrointestinal treatments, promising better outcomes and quicker recoveries for high-risk individuals.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 16, 2026, 09:41 IST

Groundbreaking Surgical Technique

In a significant advancement in medical science, surgeons at Yatharth Super Specialty Hospital have successfully excised a stomach tumor from an 80-year-old patient using a completely incision-free method. This minimally invasive endoscopic technique enabled the patient to be discharged within just 24 hours, a feat that would typically require much longer recovery with traditional surgical methods.

The elderly individual was admitted with symptoms of bleeding from the mouth and was found to have a sizable tumor in the gastric fundus, which is the upper section of the stomach. Normally, tumors in this region necessitate extensive abdominal surgery, which involves external incisions, extended hospital stays, considerable pain, and lengthy recovery periods. However, the medical team opted for a more sophisticated method known as endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR), a scarless surgical approach performed entirely from within the body.

Details of the Tumor Removal Procedure

How was the tumor removed without external surgery?

Dr. Dhruv Kant Mishra, a Consultant in Gastroenterology and Hepatology, explained that the procedure was particularly intricate due to the tumor's location within the stomach wall, which is notoriously difficult to access. He stated, “This was a highly challenging case involving a tumor embedded in the stomach wall, necessitating precise intervention.”

The surgical team utilized a flexible endoscope, a slender tube equipped with a camera and specialized instruments, which was inserted through the patient's mouth and navigated into the stomach. They employed a full-thickness plication device to completely extract the tumor from the stomach wall without making any abdominal incisions. After the tumor's removal, the team addressed the resulting defect in the stomach wall using device-assisted closure techniques, again avoiding any external cuts or stitches.

Understanding Endoscopic Full-Thickness Resection

What is endoscopic full-thickness resection?

Endoscopic full-thickness resection is a cutting-edge minimally invasive procedure designed to eliminate tumors or abnormal growths from the deeper layers of the digestive tract wall. Unlike conventional surgery, EFTR circumvents large incisions, thereby minimizing trauma to adjacent tissues. This technique is increasingly being utilized for stomach tumors, gastrointestinal lesions, and hard-to-reach growths within the digestive system.

Medical professionals highlight several advantages of this approach, including:

No visible scars
Reduced pain
Faster recovery
Lower risk of complications
Shorter hospital stays
Quicker return to normal eating and activities

Significance for Elderly Patients

Why does the procedure matter for elderly patients?

Experts assert that techniques like EFTR are particularly beneficial for older patients or those with multiple health issues who may not be able to endure major surgeries. Dr. Mishra noted, “This method is especially advantageous for elderly individuals or those with co-existing conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or compromised immunity. The organ-preserving and minimally invasive characteristics of the procedure significantly reduce surgical risks while ensuring clinical effectiveness.”

In contrast to traditional stomach surgeries, which often require patients to remain hospitalized for a week or more and can complicate post-operative eating, this patient was able to leave the hospital in stable condition the very next day.

The Future of Scarless Surgery

A growing shift toward scarless surgery

Medical professionals believe that advanced endoscopic techniques are revolutionizing gastrointestinal treatments globally. As technology continues to evolve, doctors are increasingly capable of addressing complex digestive tract issues internally without resorting to open surgery. Specialists suggest that scarless endoscopic surgery could greatly enhance outcomes for high-risk patients while also reducing recovery times, hospital expenses, surgical complications, and overall physical trauma.