PGIMER-Chandigarh Successfully Operates on 7.7-Foot-Tall J&K Cop, Its Tallest Patient Ever
Chandigarh, May 26, 2025 – In a remarkable medical feat, the Department of Neurosurgery at the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) in Chandigarh has successfully treated a 35-year-old Jammu and Kashmir Police head constable, standing at an extraordinary 7 feet 7 inches, the tallest patient ever operated on at the institute. The patient’s extreme height was caused by acromegaly, a rare hormonal disorder resulting from uncontrolled growth hormone secretion due to a functional pituitary adenoma.
The surgery, performed using a minimally invasive endoscopic transnasal approach, avoided any incisions on the head, marking a significant achievement in precision medicine. Led by Dr. Rajesh Chhabra, Dr. Apinderpreet Singh, and Dr. Shilpi Bose, with support from Dr. Rajeev Chauhan’s neuroanaesthesia team, the procedure addressed the patient’s debilitating symptoms, including joint pain, vision issues, and difficulty with daily activities. Post-surgery, the patient’s hormone levels began to normalize, with significant improvement in symptoms within weeks.
“This was an exceptionally challenging case due to the patient’s unique height and weight, which posed significant anaesthesia and positioning challenges,” said Dr. Chauhan, Additional Professor of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care. “We conducted a full rehearsal the day before to reconfigure the operating theatre, ensuring safety and precision. This success reflects PGIMER’s ability to tackle even the rarest medical scenarios.”
PGIMER has now treated over 100 cases of acromegaly, a rare condition caused by non-cancerous pituitary tumors that disrupt hormonal balance, leading to symptoms like abnormal growth (acromegaly), weight gain (Cushing’s disease), or irregular periods (prolactinoma). Dr. Chhabra emphasized the importance of early diagnosis, noting that untreated pituitary tumors can cause serious complications. “With timely medical or surgical intervention, including advanced techniques like Gamma Knife radiosurgery, patients can achieve full recovery and improved quality of life,” he said.
PGIMER Director Prof. Vivek Lal praised the team’s efforts, stating, “The successful treatment of over 100 complex pituitary tumor cases underscores PGIMER’s clinical excellence, precision, and commitment to innovative, compassionate care.”
The institute advises individuals experiencing abnormal growth, menstrual changes, or unexplained weight gain to seek medical evaluation to rule out hormonal imbalances or pituitary disorders. This landmark surgery highlights PGIMER’s leadership in managing rare and complex medical conditions with cutting-edge expertise.
