15 Dec, 2025
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15 Dec, 2025
When 69-year-old Lakshmi Ramanathan (name changed) started feeling discomfort during bowel movements, she thought it was just a small issue.
As the symptoms continued, she reached out for medical help. She wanted to understand what her body was trying to say and receive the care she deserved.
Lakshmi's patient success story is a shining example of what we believe in and promote here at HCG: putting the patient at the center of their care journey. While doctors know what is medically best, only patients know what they want and how they wish to navigate their journey. At HCG, the treatment process involves both patients and doctors, ensuring that patients are included in every step of the decision-making regarding their care.
This cancer survivor story is all about Lakshmi's experience with early-stage rectal cancer treatment. It details her journey through rectal adenocarcinoma and how the personalized approach played a crucial role in helping her regain comfort, confidence, and a sense of daily balance.
Lakshmi initially experienced discomfort and difficulty during bowel movements. While the symptoms were uncomfortable, their subtlety initially made them easy to ignore.
Over time, these symptoms became unbearable. She sensed it was important to seek understanding of the cause rather than simply hoping for improvement on its own.
Her choice to reach out for medical support at an early stage was crucial in what unfolded afterward.
When she first visited a hospital, a sigmoidoscopy was recommended to help identify any potential underlying concerns.
The sigmoidoscopy showed a 2.5 cm ulcerative lesion located just a few centimeters from the anal verge. The results indicated a potential presence of a tumor, highlighting the importance of further specialized assessment.
At this point, Lakshmi and her family decided to visit HCG Cancer Centre, a well-known cancer hospital in Bangalore, for further evaluation and diagnosis.
When Lakshmi visited HCG Cancer Centre, K. R. Road, Bengaluru, the care team welcomed her with utmost compassion.
Initially, her pathology slides from the previous hospital were reviewed, and they confirmed the diagnosis of moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma.
An additional MRI of the pelvis revealed a small mid-rectal lesion. Fortunately, it was reassuring to note that there is no invasion into the surrounding structures. The PET-CT scan also confirmed the same.
Based on this information, the final diagnosis was deduced to that of early-stage rectal adenocarcinoma with the staging cT1–T2 N0, MSI-H low.
The treatment options for early-stage cancers often focus on preserving the organ. However, she had a strong reluctance towards one of the treatment aspects, which caused the expert team to come up with a whole new approach. What was her concern? Continue reading this cancer patient story for more information.
Lakshmi and her family chose HCG because she wanted transparent communication and a clear way forward. At HCG, she found doctors who stood by her through each step, allowing her the time she needed to make her decisions. Additionally, the center's expertise in robotic rectal cancer surgery in India, along with its focus on patient care, instilled her with confidence.
Once the diagnosis and stage were confirmed, Dr. Mahesh Bandemegal, Senior Consultant and HOD - Surgical Oncology, and his team took the time to explain the diagnosis, emphasizing the importance of early intervention and outlining the available treatment options with care and understanding. They also discussed the standard guidelines that suggest a temporary stoma for low rectal surgeries.
While she was satisfied with most of her treatment, she did not like the idea of living with a stoma, even if it was for a few weeks. The team attentively listened to Lakshmi's concerns, acknowledging and valuing them.
After carefully studying her scanning reports and considering her risk factors, the team determined that she was a suitable candidate for avoiding a diverting ileostomy (creating an opening in the stomach to connect the small intestine to the surface).
Lakshmi was very happy with her revised rectal cancer treatment plan, as it now focused not just on outcomes but also on her comfort and preferences.
The surgical oncology team at HCG recommended a robotic ultra-low anterior resection (uLAR) procedure. This approach aimed to remove the tumor while ensuring that bowel continuity and function are preserved.
Her personalized rectal cancer surgery plan included:
The primary focus of this individualized approach was to address the cancer with care while ensuring her comfort, dignity, and quality of life were maintained.
The choice to forgo a stoma was made with thoughtful clinical reasoning, prioritizing her safety above all else.
Like many patients facing significant surgery, Lakshmi had valid worries.
The surgical team provided her with calm and clear explanations, ensuring she felt supported and at ease instead of anxious. Her family stayed by her side, providing encouragement, assisting her with walking, and offering their unwavering support during the early days following her surgery.
On the ninth day after her surgery, she had a mild fever and some discomfort. The team was attentive to these common postoperative events, promptly performing imaging, adjusting medications, and making sure she felt supported throughout her recovery.
What brought her the most comfort was consistent attention from her team. Her care team regularly checked her progress, answered her questions, and supported her in rebuilding her confidence during her recovery.
As her appetite returned and she began to move more comfortably, she gently found herself easing back into her routine.
It has been almost two months since Lakshmi completed her treatment, and she has been doing great. She did not experience any complications like leakage or infection, and there are no signs of early recurrence either. She also has excellent bowel control.
She is thankful to HCG for creating a seamless rectal cancer treatment experience for her. She remembers the attention and support she received from Dr. Mahesh Bandemegal and his team throughout her treatment journey.
Lakshmi's rectal cancer story illustrates the value of paying attention to persistent symptoms and seeking timely medical interventions. Additionally, it sheds light on the recent advances in the field of rectal cancer treatment and overall disease management and the importance of tailored treatment decisions in improving the quality of life for patients.
For more information on comprehensive rectal cancer treatment in Bangalore, please connect with HCG.
Looking for cancer survivor stories similar to Lakshmi's? Check them out here: Patient Stories | HCG
