39-Year-Old Iraqi National weighing 160 Kgs treated for Scrotal Elephantiasis at Fortis Gurugram

39-Year-Old Iraqi National weighing 160 Kgs treated for Scrotal Elephantiasis at Fortis Gurugram

Gurugram, June 2025: In one of the rarely reported cases in India, doctors at Fortis Memorial Research Institute (FMRI), Gurugram have successfully treated a 39-year-old Iraqi national suffering from Scrotal Elephantiasis - a disease that causes parts of the body - usually the legs and sometimes the arms or genitals have abnormal swelling and thickening of the skin. In this complex case, the patient’s penis was not visible and lay totally buried in a huge mass and he was not able to urinate properly resulting in hygiene issues. The team of doctors led by Dr Vipul Nanda, Director, Plastic Surgery, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram conducted a surgery and removed 26 kgs of mass thus preserving the genitalia. The surgery lasted for 5 - 6 hours and the patient was discharged in a stable condition in 9 days.

The patient weighed 160 kgs and was suffering from elephantiasis for over 15 years. This condition is characterized by progressive thickening and massive enlargement of the affected skin. In this particular case, the patient had Elephantiasis in his scrotum which had enlarged multifold reaching upto his midleg below the knees, completely burying the penis.  As a result, it led to severe urinary obstruction, poor hygiene, limited mobility. Due to his massive obesity, he also experienced laboured breathing and difficulty in lying down.

Dr Manik Sharma, Additional Director, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram said “The patients weight made it impossible to conduct a CT or MRI scan to evaluate the urinary passage and both the testes. Even an ultrasound was unsuccessful due to his thickened skin, underlying scarring, and the presence of a massive tissue mass. Despite these challenges, our team, in collaboration with the anesthesia and radiology departments, proceeded with this complex case. The patient required ventilator support for a day and multiple blood transfusions. He was eventually discharged in a stable condition and now weighs 124 kgs.  He is currently regaining strength and is able to walk with assistance.”

Giving details of the case, Dr Vipul Nanda, Director, Plastic Surgery, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram said, “This was a rare case which needed to be handled very meticulously. During the surgery, we successfully identified and preserved the patient’s urinary passage, the penis and both testicles, using intraoperative ultrasound for precise anatomical guidance. A total of 26 kgs of scrotal mass was excised, and the genital anatomy was reconstructed. Dr Avinash Agarwal elaborated that post-operatively, the patient required intensive care support, including the transfusion of approximately 15 units of blood and blood products. For more than a decade the man’s quality of life suffered and he was unable to perform his daily activities. Post the surgery, the patient's morale has greatly improved and he has regained strength”

Yash Rawat, Vice-President & Facility Director, Fortis Memorial Research Institute Gurugram said, "This case was particularly challenging due to the weight of the patient and complexities involved. Nonetheless, our team of doctors, led by Dr. Vipul Nanda, along with our anesthesia and radiology teams handled it with exceptional skill. Clinical expertise and best-in-class care to manage such cases are the hallmarks of Fortis Hospital Gurugram, and we continuously endeavor to provide highest level of care to save lives and get improved outcomes.”

1. (Link)