Chandigarh's PGIMER operates on 7.7 feet tall J-K cop, its tallest patient ever

The Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) has treated a 35-year-old Jammu and Kashmir Police head constable, standing 7 feet 7 inches tall, a rare and extreme manifestation of acromegaly due to uncontrolled growth hormone secretion, the Department of Neurosurgery said in a statement on Monday.

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With this, the PGIMER has successfully treated over 100 cases of acromegaly—a hormonal disorder caused by functional pituitary adenomas—through the endoscopic transnasal approach, a minimally invasive technique that avoids any incision on head.

The Neurosurgery team, led by doctors Rajesh Chhabra, Apinderpreet Singh and Shilpi Bose, performed this procedure with the support of a neuroanaesthesia team headed by Dr Rajeev Chauhan and assisted by doctors Ikjot and Drishti Parekh.

PGIMER Director Prof Vivek Lal lauded the surgery, saying, “The successful treatment of over 100 complex pituitary tumour cases is a testament to the clinical excellence, precision, and teamwork at PGIMER. These outcomes reinforce our commitment to delivering the highest standard of care through innovation and compassion.”

The head constable Sunil Kumar, the PGIMER said, had been facing increasing joint pain, vision issues, and difficulty with daily activities. He underwent a tumour removal via the scarless transnasal route.

Post-surgery, his hormone levels began to normalise, and his symptoms showed marked improvement within weeks.

Dr Chauhan said, “This was the tallest patient ever operated at PGIMER. His unusual height and weight posed multiple anaesthesia challenges, especially regarding airway access and positioning.”

He added, “We conducted a full rehearsal a day before surgery to reconfigure our OT setup, including adjustments to the table and equipment, to ensure safety and precision during the procedure. It was a team effort that reflects PGI’s preparedness to handle even the rarest of medical scenarios.”

Dr Chhabra gave details of the medical condition, saying, “Functional pituitary adenomas are non-cancerous tumours of the pituitary gland that secrete excess hormones, disturbing the body’s hormonal balance.”

He said that depending on the hormone involved, symptoms may include abnormal growth of hands and feet (acromegaly), weight gain and facial puffiness (Cushing’s disease), or breast discharge with irregular periods in women not pregnant (prolactinoma).

“Often silent in early stages, these tumours can lead to serious complications if not diagnosed and treated promptly,” he said.

People experiencing abnormal growth patterns, menstrual changes, or unexplained weight gain are advised to seek medical evaluation to rule out hormonal imbalances and pituitary disorders, Dr Chhabra said.

With timely intervention, medical or surgical, including advanced options like Gamma Knife radiosurgery, patients can expect full recovery and restored quality of life.