Mangaluru: Yenepoya Medical College Hospital achieved a significant medical milestone with the successful performance of its first cryobiopsy via rigid bronchoscopy, marking an advancement in diagnostic capabilities for complex respiratory conditions.
The procedure was carried out on a 24-year-old female patient diagnosed with an endobronchial lesion involving the left main bronchus.
The patient had previously undergone a flexible bronchoscopic biopsy, which did not yield conclusive results despite adequate tissue sampling. Considering persistent clinical and radiological suspicion of a neuroendocrine tumour, doctors opted for a cryobiopsy procedure to obtain a larger and more representative tissue sample.
Cryobiopsy, performed using rigid bronchoscopy, is known for improving diagnostic accuracy in such cases.
The procedure was jointly performed by the Departments of Respiratory Medicine and Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery.
The medical team included Dr. Vyshak U. S. and Dr. Arjun Venugopal from the Department of Respiratory Medicine, along with Dr. Deekshith R. M. from the Department of ENT. The procedure was conducted under the guidance of Dr. Rajesh V., Professor and Head of Respiratory Medicine, and Dr. Sai Manohar, Professor and Head of ENT.
Anaesthesia support was provided by Dr. Pareek Mitalee Hitkishor. The procedure was completed successfully without complications, with adequate haemostasis maintained using argon plasma coagulation and standby adrenaline support.
Histopathological examination of the biopsy confirmed the presence of a neuroendocrine tumour. Following diagnosis, the patient was referred to the Surgical Oncology team at Zulekha Institute of Oncology (ZYIO) for further management and treatment.
The hospital acknowledged the support and guidance of its leadership, including Dr. Yenepoya Abdulla Kunhi, Chancellor; Mr. Yenepoya Mohammad Farhaad, Pro Chancellor; Dr. M. Vijaya Kumar, Pro Chancellor; Dr. K. S. Gangadhara Somayaji, Vice Chancellor; Dr. M. S. Moosabba, Principal; and Dr. Habib Rahaman A. A., Medical Superintendent.
The contribution of specialists from the Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Oncopathology was also recognised for their role in achieving this milestone.
This case highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in managing complex medical conditions. It also underscores the role of cryobiopsy in improving diagnostic yield for endobronchial lesions, enabling timely and accurate treatment decisions.
The successful execution of the first cryobiopsy at Yenepoya Medical College Hospital marks a notable advancement in its clinical services. The achievement reflects the institution's commitment to adopting advanced medical techniques and delivering high-quality, patient-centred care.