Doctors at Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) here have successfully cleared a blocked airway by removing a tumour in a 40-year-old woman using a sophisticated combination of heat and cold techniques — a rare and advanced bronchoscopic approach.
The patient, who had earlier been diagnosed with a rare type of lung tumour — carcinoid tumour — in the right main bronchus, had undergone radiation therapy in 2023. However, a follow-up scan in June 2025 revealed a persistent mass obstructing over half of her airway, leading to severe breathlessness and an unrelenting cough.
Faced with this challenge, the Interventional Pulmonology team at KIMS opted for a minimally invasive, yet high-precision approach. Under general anaesthesia in the Cardiothoracic Operating Theatre, they inserted a flexible bronchoscope and performed a three-step tumour clearance procedure. This included ‘adrenaline injection’ to minimise bleeding risk. This was followed by ‘electrocautery’ (heat) to slice through and shrink the tumour using controlled heat and ‘cryo-extraction’ (cold) to freeze and gently remove the tumour fragments.
The innovative combination resulted in the complete removal of the obstruction and immediate relief in the patient’s breathing. Biopsy samples were also taken during the procedure for further evaluation.
The intricate operation was led by Dr. Debasis Behera, Dr. Swadip Mishra, and Dr. Sushanta Mishra from the Department of Interventional Pulmonology, in close coordination with the Cardiac Anaesthesia team of Dr. Ashok K Badamali and Dr. Gyana Ranjan Mishra. Their teamwork was further supported by the dedicated OT staff and pulmonology residents — Dr. Abhisek Das, Dr. Nikhil Krishna, and Dr. Dev Garg.
The procedure demonstrates KIMS’ commitment to cutting-edge, patient-centred care. The team credited the visionary leadership of Prof. (Dr.) Achyuta Samanta, Hon’ble Founder of KIIT and KIMS, whose focus on inclusive healthcare continues to inspire excellence across departments.
