Online Reporter
Chronicle Reporter
IN what doctors have described as a medical milestone, a team of surgeons at Mpilo Central Hospital in Bulawayo successfully removed a 50kg abdominal tumour from a 32-year-old woman from Mberengwa.
The life-saving procedure, which lasted for six hours, was hailed as one of the largest tumour removals ever performed at the major referral hospital.
For five years, Ms Melody Ndlovu lived with the massive growth, a condition that robbed her of mobility, dignity and hope.
What began as a small lump slowly turned into a life-altering ordeal that left her struggling to walk and unable to fend for her child.
“At first, I thought I was pregnant because I had missed my periods.
“I went to the hospital for a scan, but they didn’t find anything. Later, I was told it was fibroids,” Ms Ndlovu recalled, her eyes reflecting the pain she had endured.
She was referred to United Bulawayo Hospitals for further evaluation, but the cost of private scans proved impossible to afford.
Desperate and in pain, she turned to traditional healers, but the remedies offered no relief.
“The mass kept growing until it reached a shocking weight of 50kg. That’s when I came to Mpilo for help,” she said.
When Ms Ndlovu arrived at Mpilo Central Hospital, doctors discovered that the tumour was deeply embedded and intertwined with vital organs, including the uterus, bowels and diaphragm.
The complexity of the case called for a multidisciplinary team of specialists to step in. Dr Allan Ngulube, a specialist consultant in general surgery, said the operation required careful coordination across several departments.
“The tumour appeared to originate from gynaecological organs and was in contact with critical structures such as the ureters and intestines.
We had to collaborate closely to avoid damaging vital organs and to control bleeding.
It was a highly delicate operation,” he explained. He said despite the hospital’s limited specialised equipment, the team’s training and experience made the success possible.
“We might face equipment challenges, but our doctors are dedicated and capable of handling complex cases,” said Dr Ngulube proudly.
Consultant gynaecologist Dr Elton Sengurai, who was part of the surgical team, said he had never encountered a tumour of such magnitude in his medical career.
“It displaced her organs and pressed against her lungs and bowels. It required teamwork and precision to remove it safely.
“Thankfully, the operation was successful and the patient is recovering well,” he said.
Before her condition worsened, Ms Ndlovu survived through gold panning and vending to support her child.
“As the tumour grew, she could no longer work, relying entirely on her elderly mother for care and survival.
“As a single parent, life became incredibly hard for me and my child. My mother had to take care of both of us. But now, I finally have hope again,” she said.
Ms Ndlovu expressed gratitude to the Mpilo medical team for restoring her health and dignity.
“They have given me a second chance at life. I’m thankful for their love, care and the hope they’ve given me each day,” she said.
Mpilo Central Hospital public relations officer, Mrs Noma Mabhena, commended the medical team for their extraordinary effort and urged the public to seek medical help early.
“This case shows why it’s crucial for people to visit hospitals as soon as they notice any unusual symptoms,” she said.
“Mpilo is a public institution that serves everyone, regardless of their financial status. We encourage people to come forward before complications become life-threatening.”
Mrs Mabhena revealed that the tumour was so large that hospital staff had to transport it on a trolley to the laboratory for testing.
