- At GCS Hospital, detailed imaging (MRI) revealed a rare, non-cancerous neural tumor called Presacral Ganglioneuroma — a condition so uncommon that fewer than 30 cases have been reported globally, across both adults and children
- Of these, only around 6–8 cases involved pediatric patients, making this case exceptionally rare and medically significant
- This is the second paediatric Presacral Ganglioneuroma case in India and the first in Gujarat
GOWRI MANICKAVASAGAM
AHMEDABAD, JULY 2
In an extraordinary demonstration of surgical expertise, doctors at GCS Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, here recently successfully removed a rare, non-cancerous neural tumour from a 10-year-old girl, significantly improving her health, well-being and childhood joy.
A 10-year-old girl from Kutch, Gujarat, had been experiencing persistent pelvic pain for over two months. Initial evaluation and surgery were conducted locally under the assumption of an ovarian mass. However, intraoperatively, the tumour was found to be densely adherent to the intestines and blood vessels, making it too risky to remove.
One month later, as the pain persisted and follow-up sonography showed the tumour remained, the child was referred to GCS Hospital, Ahmedabad for advanced medical care.
A multidisciplinary team led by Dr. Sanket Desai (Consultant – Surgical Oncology) and Dr. Jatin Jadav (Pediatric Surgeon), took charge of her case. After thorough evaluation and detailed preoperative planning, the team prepared for a complex and high-risk procedure.
“This case required thoughtful decision-making and meticulous surgical planning as the child was only 10-years-old,” said Dr. Sanket Desai.
“At GCS Hospital, detailed imaging (MRI) revealed a rare, non-cancerous neural tumour called Presacral Ganglioneuroma — a condition so uncommon that fewer than 30 cases have been reported globally, across both adults and children. Of these, only around 6–8 cases involved pediatric patients, making this case exceptionally rare and medically significant. This is the second paediatric Presacral Ganglioneuroma case in India and the first in Gujarat,” added Dr Sanket Desai.
During the surgery, the team discovered a large tumor had arisen deep within the pelvic cavity near the bladder and rectum, measuring 10 x 10 x 7.5 cm, making surgical excision technically challenging due to the high risk of damaging nerves responsible for urinary and bowel control.
The multidisciplinary team led by Dr. Sanket Desai (Consultant – Surgical Oncology) and Dr. Jatin Jadav (Pediatric Surgeon) performed a complex and meticulous surgery, successfully removing the entire tumour while preserving the child’s bladder and rectal functions. The girl is now fully healthy and recovering without complications.
Following the successful surgery done free of cost, the patient recovered well and will be discharged soon.
“A review of global literature shows that only about 6–8 pediatric cases of presacral ganglioneuroma have been documented worldwide so far. This makes the 10-year-old patient’s successful treatment at GCS Hospital one of the few globally known examples — and an important clinical achievement in pediatric surgical care. In 2016, a 14-year-old child in Pondicherry was diagnosed with a 14 × 11 × 10 cm presacral ganglioneuroma and successfully treated via a transabdominal extraperitoneal approach — underscoring the surgical challenge and rarity of such cases,” said Dr. Jatin Jadav (Pediatric Surgeon).
“This was a textbook example of ethical, patient-centric care. Given her age, she underwent a major operation with excellent outcomes, thanks to diligent planning, coordinated care, and clinical vigilance of our dedicated team. At GCS Hospital, we believe in serving community and help those needy patients at affordable cost,” said Dr Kirti Patel, Director.
GCS Hospital, a trusted name in healthcare, continues to deliver world-class treatment with compassion. This case highlights the critical importance of timely medical intervention, multidisciplinary care, and specialist surgical expertise.
What is Presacral Ganglioneuroma?
Presacral Ganglioneuromas are rare tumors that arise from sympathetic nervous tissue. They are benign but can grow silently to large sizes before causing symptoms. Globally, these tumors have been reported in the spine, retroperitoneum, and pelvis — but presacral occurrences, particularly in children, are extraordinarily rare.
Largest Known Case Globally
Medical literature highlights one of the largest ganglioneuromas measured 23 × 20 × 13 cm, surgically removed in the U.S., demonstrating how silent yet massive these tumors can become.
