Healthcare Global Enterprises Ltd (HCG), has now performed the first  Computer Assisted Tumour Navigation Surgery (CATS) for bone cancer in India. The patient was a 19 year-old engineering student diagnosed with osteosarcoma, tumour weighing 900 grams and 20 centimeters in length, estimated by oncologists to be the similar to the  size of a baseball.

Bone cancer affects 1 in 10, 000 people and is more common in children and adolescents.

CATS technology is a specially designed software for orthopaedic oncology, which shows real time images of the tumour while operating, which enables the surgeon to be accurate in the resection of the tumour. CATS give precise directions as guided by preloaded images of MRI, CT and PET scans, during surgery.

“The patient presented with a large swelling in the knee, which upon evaluation confirmed malignant bone tumour, in the right leg. We took combined solution of technology and expertise, by using the CATS technology, which facilitates precise planning and execution of joint-preserving tumour resection, without damaging the functions of the limb. This technology is very important in preserving the growth in young patients diagnosed with bone cancer. Early detection of malignant bone tumours helps in curing the patients in 60 to 70 per cent of cases and preserving their limbs,” said Dr Pramod S Chinder, consultant, Surgical Ortho Oncologist, HCG.

The patient has been fighting cancer for a year. The first signs came about with severe pain on the right leg which occurred while he was cycling in June 2012. Since pain killers did not provide relief, he feared that he would lose his leg. The Computer Assisted Tumour Navigation Surgery has helped to preserve the patient’s leg and ensure good quality of life besides resuming his education, he added.