Burdwan Medical College removes hundreds of parasite cysts in rare 4-hour surgery on 18-year-old girl

Burdwan Medical College and Hospital performed a complex four-hour surgery to remove hundreds of hydatid cysts from the abdomen of an 18-year-old female patient. This operation marks only the second time such an extensive surgery has been conducted in the state and the first at this hospital.

The patient, a resident of Burdwan, was admitted after experiencing abdominal swelling, loss of appetite, and weakness. Diagnostic tests including ultrasound and CT scans revealed the presence of multiple hydatid cysts spread throughout her abdominal cavity. These cysts are caused by a parasitic infection commonly transmitted from domestic animals such as dogs, goats, and sheep.

Hydatid cysts develop when parasite eggs or larvae enter the human body, often through the consumption of raw vegetables like carrots, beetroot, turnip, and radish that have not been properly washed. Inside the body, these eggs form fluid-filled cysts, typically found in the liver or lungs. In this case, however, the cysts were distributed across the entire abdomen, making the surgery particularly challenging.

The surgical team was led by Dr. Nazmas Sajjad Jamadar and Dr. Kushal Chattopadhyay, with key support from anesthesia specialists Dr. Sumanta Ghoshmouli, Dr. Bikash Vishisoi, and Dr. Soumen Mandal. The operation lasted four hours, during which hundreds of cysts were carefully removed. Hospital Superintendent Dr. Tapas Ghosh confirmed the patient is currently stable and expected to be discharged within two to three days.

Doctors involved in the case advised the public to thoroughly wash raw vegetables before consumption to prevent such infections. Dr. Kushal Chattopadhyay stated, "It is very important to wash raw vegetables thoroughly before eating. This is the main cause of infection. Even slight negligence can lead to serious consequences."