Chennai, July 24, 2025 – The Asian Institute of Nephrology and Urology (AINU) Hospital in Chennai has achieved a significant medical milestone by successfully removing a 10cm kidney tumour from a 76-year-old woman using advanced laparoscopic surgery. This minimally invasive technique ensured minimal pain, faster recovery, and preservation of kidney function, marking a triumph in patient-centred care.
The complex procedure was led by Dr. Arun Kumar Balakrishnan, Managing Director, Chief Urologist, Uro-Oncologist and Robotic Surgeon, at AINU Chennai. The tumour was discovered incidentally during a routine health check-up, as the patient exhibited no symptoms. However, her medical history—40 years of hypertension, 10 years of hypothyroidism, chronic anaemia requiring multiple blood transfusions, and a frail 50kg frame—posed significant challenges. The large tumour, pressing against adjacent structures, further elevated the surgical risk.
Dr. D. Venkat Subramaniam, Executive Director, Senior Urologist at, AINU said, “AINU Chennai’s successful execution of this complex laparoscopic surgery highlights our commitment to leveraging advanced technology for patient-centred care. This milestone reflects our team’s expertise and dedication to ensuring optimal outcomes for high-risk patients, reinforcing AINU’s position as a leader in urological and nephrological care.”
Typically, kidney tumours affect patients in their 50s and 60s, and open surgery is often recommended, involving large incisions, muscle disruption, and, at times, rib resection. For elderly or frail patients, this approach can lead to severeh pain, respiratory complications, and prolonged recovery. “Given her age and low body weight, open surgery would have been too taxing,” said Dr. Arun Balakrishnan. “After thorough evaluation, we opted for laparoscopic surgery to minimize trauma and promote a swift recovery.”
Laparoscopic surgery, utilizing small incisions, a high-precision camera, and specialized instruments, offered multiple benefits in this case:
Precise tumour removal with minimal blood loss
Avoidance of major incisions
Reduced postoperative pain
Faster return to nutrition and healing
Shorter hospital stay
“The laparoscopic approach allowed us to safely excise the tumour while preserving surrounding vital organs, ensuring a smooth recovery for a high-risk patient,” Dr. Arun Kumar Balakrishnan added.
The surgery was completed without complications. Post-procedure, the patient was ambulated early. She is recovering well and expected to resume normal activities soon.
Reflecting on her experience, the patient shared, “Learning about the tumour was frightening, especially when other hospitals warned that open surgery could be risky due to my age and frailty. A family member recommended AINU Chennai, and from the first consultation, Dr. Arun Kumar Balakrishnan and his team instilled confidence. They explained every step clearly, and I felt secure. I’m now recovering well and feeling stronger daily.”
This milestone underscores AINU Chennai’s expertise in combining cutting-edge technology with compassionate care. “Our priority is to deliver safe, effective treatment tailored to each patient’s needs,” said Dr. Arun Kumar Balakrishnan. “This case exemplifies our commitment to achieving the best outcomes, even in challenging scenarios.”
