Tree Top Hospital has successfully completed a modified radical neck dissection for the removal of cancer.

This is the first time the surgery has been performed at Tree Top Hospital.

Lead surgeon, Dr. Rajesh A. Valand said that this surgery was a complex surgical cancer operation where all the lymph nodes and fibroid fatty tissue were removed along with a tumor.

Dr. Rajesh is specialized in E.N.T with special clinical interests in Head and Neck Cancer, Parotidectomy, Thyroidectomy, Snoring and Sleep Apnea surgeries, and Pinna Reconstruction. He earned his MBBS from Bombay University, Mumbai, India, and completed his Master of Surgery (MS-ENT) from Bombay University, Mumbai, India. Dr. Rajesh served as an E.N.T Consultant at BSES Municipal General Hospital for over 16 years.

Neck dissection is usually performed to remove cancer that has spread to lymph nodes in the neck. Lymph nodes are small bean-shaped glands scattered throughout the body that file and process lymph fluid from other organs. When cancer cells spread from another part of the body they may get caught in a lymph node and grow, this is known as metastasis. The extent of the tissue removal depends on many factors, including the stage of the disease and the type of cancer it is.

Structures like nerves and veins that are typically lost during a radical neck dissection are preserved during a modified radical neck dissection. Hence, the surgery required to be done very meticulously and delicately in order to protect critical neck structures.

Ibrahim Anees who underwent this surgery shares that he selected Tree Top Hospital as his point of care for a number of reasons. As such, he noted his confidence in Dr. Rajesh and his experience in the field.

Anees went on to say that being diagnosed with cancer at the age of 71 and being treated for it while having his family nearby gave him a great deal of satisfaction rather than having to travel abroad.

The surgery team consisted of Dr. Rajesh Arvind Valand, Consultant E.N.T and Dr. Chandrashekhar Rawal, Consultant E.N.T as the assistant with a skilled team of operation theatre nurses and anesthetic team.