Aster Hospital Performs Complex Jaw Surgery on 50-year-old Congolese Man Battling Rare Tumour Aster CMI Bangalore

23-08-2025

Disclaimer: The image used is AI-generated and is intended for reference purposes only. It does not represent the actual patient or surgical procedure.

A 50-year-old man from the Democratic Republic of Congo underwent a complex jaw reconstruction surgery at Aster Hospital in Bangalore after a rare, aggressive tumour returned for the third time — leaving him unable to eat, speak, or live a normal life.

The man was suffering from ameloblastoma, a rare and non-cancerous tumour that had spread over his entire lower jaw. Despite undergoing two prior surgeries in Congo, the tumour recurred and grew to an enormous size, 27 cm by 15 cm, severely disfiguring his face and misaligning his jaw.

With limited treatment options in his home country, the patient was referred to Aster Hospital in Bangalore, India, where a multidisciplinary medical team took on the challenging case. On arrival, doctors found not only the massive tumour but also complications, including a Hepatitis B infection and a language barrier, as the patient only spoke French.

To overcome communication challenges, the team had in-house language support to explain procedures and coordinate care with the patient and his wife. Leveraging (CAD-CAM) and 3D printing, the team created an exact replica of the patient’s jaw, which enabled them to design custom surgical tools and pre-plan every step of the reconstruction.

The tumour was removed, and the jaw was rebuilt using a segment of the patient’s leg bone, a procedure known as a fibula flap. Due to the risk of airway obstruction during surgery, doctors also performed a preventive tracheostomy.

'This case highlights how modern surgical technology and global medical collaboration can change lives,' said Dr. Ashok BC, Head of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery at Aster Hospital, Bangalore. 'We were able to restore both form and function, and ultimately, the patient's quality of life.'

After a successful six-hour operation and smooth recovery, the patient returned to Congo, able to speak, eat, and smile once again.