What Many Don’t Know: Certain Cancer Treatments Are Possible Without Surgery in Hyderabad

2026: STAR Hospitals, Hyderabad, successfully performed an advanced minimally invasive procedure known as Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection (ESD) to remove a large rectal polyp in a 56-year-old male patient, helping him avoid major surgery and ensuring a smooth recovery.

The patient presented with blood in his stools, following which he sought medical care. He had travelled from nearly 100 kilometresaway from Hyderabad for treatment. Given the size of the lesion, surgical removal was initially considered.

Advanced Imaging Helped Avoid Major Surgery

A detailed evaluation was carried out using CT scan (cross-sectional imaging) and Rectal Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS). These investigations revealed a large sessile rectal polyp measuring approximately 3 cm, originating from the second and third layers of the rectal wall, with no invasion into the muscle layer and no evidence of disease spread.

Based on these findings, the medical team decided to proceed with Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection (ESD), a specialised endoscopic technique that enables precise removal of complex lesions without open surgery.

The procedure was successfully completed with complete resection of the polyp and was uneventful, with no complications. It was performed on a day-care (OPD) basis, and the patient was discharged the same day. Follow-up after 48 hours and over the next 7–8 days showed no post-procedure complications.

Commenting on the case, Dr. Y Rami Reddy, Senior Consultant, Gastroenterology, STAR Hospitals, Hyderabad, said, “This patient was initially considered for major surgery, which would have involved higher costs and a longer hospital stay. After performing an endoscopic ultrasound, we confirmed that the lesion was confined and could be safely removed endoscopically. Accurate assessment helped us choose the most effective and minimally invasive treatment.”

He added, “Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection is one of the third-space endoscopic procedures we routinely perform at STAR Hospitals. Along with ESD, we also perform advanced procedures such as POEM (Per Oral Endoscopic Myotomy) meant for patients with esophageal mobility disorders like cardiac These techniques are particularly beneficial for early malignancies and large colonic polyps.”

Multidisciplinary, Technology-Driven Care

The case highlighted STAR Hospitals' multidisciplinary and technology-driven approach, with close collaboration between the gastroenterology and oncology teams. The hospital acknowledged the support of Dr. Bharath Kumar Palle from the Oncology Department.

Dr. Y Rami Reddy emphasised that the availability of advanced endoscopic procedures allows tailored treatment based on disease stage, “When advanced endoscopic options are available, many patients can avoid major surgery. If a lesion is more advanced, we can still decide between endoscopic full-thickness resection, surgery, or combined chemo-radiotherapy, depending on the stage. This integrated approach ensures the best possible outcomes.”

Dr. Y Rami Reddy also highlighted the importance of preventive screening, “most colorectal polyps are asymptomatic, do not cause pain strongly recommend routine colonoscopy screening from the age of 45  or earlier in individuals with family symptoms or history”

About STAR Hospitals

STAR Hospitals is a leading multi-specialty healthcare provider in Hyderabad, known for its expertise in advanced interventional gastroenterology, cutting-edge technology, and multidisciplinary patient care.