60-year-old woman presented with abdominal pain, and upon thorough evaluation, was diagnosed with a rare pelvic melanoma that was not arising from any pelvic organ. This unique case called for a complex surgical approach tailored to her specific condition.
Diagnosis and Surgical Management
After comprehensive imaging and staging, it was determined that anterior pelvic exenteration was necessary, followed by urinary diversion via an ileal conduit. This radical surgery involves removal of pelvic organs, typically reserved for aggressive or atypical cancers like this rare melanoma.
🕒 Surgery Duration: 6 hours
🧑⚕️ Performed by: Dr. Rudresh Tabali – Senior Consultant Surgical Oncologist, Hubli
Postoperative Recovery
The patient's postoperative recovery was smooth and complication-free:
Day 1 (POD-1): Initiated on oral liquids
Day 2 (POD-2): Started soft diet
Day 8: Ureteric catheters were removed
Discharged: On the 8th day in stable condition
The ileal conduit functioned optimally, and the patient adapted well to the new urinary diversion.
Adjuvant Therapy and Follow-up
After surgery, she was started on adjuvant immunotherapy, the current standard of care for melanomas. Follow-up scans and assessments over the last two years have shown no evidence of disease recurrence—a testament to early intervention, surgical precision, and comprehensive post-op care.
✅ Current Status: Disease-free for 2 years and doing well
Clinical Insights & Significance
This case emphasizes several key aspects of modern oncological care:
Early Detection & Surgical Precision: Catching the melanoma before systemic spread enabled curative surgery.
Multidisciplinary Planning: Seamless coordination between surgery, oncology, and postoperative teams contributed to the outcome.
Patient-centric Care in Hubli: High-end surgical oncology isn’t limited to metro cities; it’s available locally under expert hands like Dr. Rudresh Tabali.
What is Anterior Pelvic Exenteration?
Anterior pelvic exenteration is a radical surgery primarily done for locally advanced or recurrent cancers in the pelvis. It involves removal of the urinary bladder, uterus, and adjacent tissues, and in this case, a non-organ-based melanoma, requiring urinary diversion via an ileal conduit.
About Dr. Rudresh Tabali
Dr. Rudresh Tabali is a Senior Consultant Surgical Oncologist in Hubli, with over 8 years of experience in treating complex and rare cancers with cutting-edge surgical techniques. His patient-first approach, precision, and expertise in organ preservation and advanced oncologic surgeries make him one of the most trusted names in cancer care in North Karnataka.
Conclusion
This case highlights the possibility of curing rare cancers like pelvic melanoma with timely diagnosis, radical surgery, and immunotherapy. Patients in and around Hubli now have access to world-class surgical oncology care close to home, under the expert care of Dr. Rudresh Tabali.
Need Cancer Consultation in Hubli?
If you or your loved ones need expert guidance on cancer surgery, visit Dr. Rudresh Cancer Care to schedule an appointment.