The skilled endoscopy team at VGM Hospital, Coimbatore, led by Dr. Vamsi Murthy, successfully removed an 8 cm-long polyp (a type of tumor) from the transverse colon of a 29-year-old female patient from Coimbatore. 

During the press conference to announce the success of this procedure, Dr.V.G.Mohan Prasad said that the patient had been referred to VGM Hospital and she experienced severe abdominal pain. Upon examination, doctors discovered a large polyp in her transverse colon. Traditionally, a polyp of this size would require a right hemicolectomy - a major surgical procedure involving the removal of a portion of the large intestine. However, since the polyp was found to be non-cancerous, the medical team opted for a less invasive approach.

Dr. Vamsi Murthy and the expert endoscopy team, along with Dr. Madhura Prasad Suman and Dr. V.G. Mohan Prasad, successfully removed the polyp during a three-hour endoscopic procedure. The patient has since recovered well and returned home safely.

During a press conference, Dr. V.G. Mohan Prasad highlighted the causes of bowel polyps are either genetic factors or due to lifestyle practices. When asked whether it is possible to figure out when a normal polyp could turn cancerours, he emphasized the unpredictable nature of polyps, explaining, “It starts as an adenomatous polyp but can become cancerous over time. Depending on an individual's genes and lifestyle, this transformation can occur at any point.”

He further noted that colorectal cancer incidence in India has risen by 20% over the past decade. The likelihood of developing polyps among individuals above 45 years has also increased by 20–30%. Hence, regular screening after the age of 45 is recommended. What appears to be a harmless polyp could potentially develop into cancer without warning.

During the interaction, Dr.Vamsi recalled the case of Hollywood actor Chadwick Boseman, star of the global hit film Black Panther, who succumbed to colon cancer despite his wealth and access to healthcare. This reminds everyone that time is something even a multi-trillionaire cannot buy.

Dr.Vamsi urged people not to ignore signs such as 'occult blood' -a minute amount of blood in the stool (motion) as it can be an indication of various underlying health issues. A simple screening test can help detect potential risks at an early stage, significantly improving treatment outcomes. Individuals with risk factors such as high red meat consumption, low-fiber diets, heavy alcohol use, smoking, sedentary lifestyles, and obesity are advised to undergo annual screenings. 

It is noteworthy to mention that this is probably the third largest polyp and India's first largest polyp to be removed endoscopically. The first two largest polyps in the world - 18 cm polyp and a 9.5 cm long polyp were removed from patients in China.