Treating malignant tumors, especially those that are large and located in difficult areas such as the coccyx (tailbone), can be highly challenging. However, advances in medical technology have introduced non-surgical treatment options, one of which is High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) available at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri.
With this technology, even patients with large tumors have the opportunity to receive effective treatment through minimally invasive procedures.
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A Case of a 12.5 cm Coccyx Tumor
An interventional radiologist at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri, dr. Sugianto Santoso, Sp.Rad (K)RI, shared a complex case involving a malignant tumor in the coccyx area.
“This is a case of malignancy in the coccyx region. There was a fairly large mass, about 12.5 cm, which destroyed two coccyx bones and affected the nerves in both legs,” explained dr. Sugianto.
This condition not only caused bone damage but also affected the nerves, leading to symptoms such as pain, numbness, and impaired function in both legs.
The patient had previously undergone multiple treatments, including surgery, chemotherapy, and embolization, but the results were not optimal.
“The patient had surgery, chemotherapy, and even embolization, and lastly we performed HIFU,” he added.
When Tumors Are Resistant to Chemotherapy
In some cases, tumors can become resistant to chemotherapy, requiring alternative treatment approaches.
“The patient had already undergone chemotherapy, but the tumor appeared resistant. The last embolization with ethanol showed a good response, and then we added HIFU,” said dr. Sugianto.
This combination therapy aims to maximize tumor destruction, particularly in solid tumors that are difficult to treat with conventional methods.
HIFU: Treating Tumors Without Incisions and with Minimal Pain
HIFU is a technology that uses high-intensity focused ultrasound waves to precisely destroy tumor tissue without the need for surgery.
“HIFU is chosen because it involves no incisions or surgery, only ablation using ultrasound waves. Patients also feel relatively comfortable,” explained dr. Sugianto.
During the procedure, patients may experience certain sensations due to the heat generated by the ultrasound energy.
“Patients may feel warmth on the skin, and in certain areas like this case involving nerves in both legs, they may feel numbness or soreness in the legs,” he added.
Even so, this procedure is generally more comfortable than open surgery and carries a lower risk of complications.
Evaluation and Follow-Up
Before and after the HIFU procedure, doctors perform imaging evaluations to ensure treatment effectiveness.
“Before the procedure, we use contrast-enhanced ultrasound, and after the procedure, we repeat the contrast ultrasound,” explained dr. Sugianto.
For large tumors, treatment is typically performed in stages.
“Because the tumor is large, we do follow-up after treatment, for example with an MRI after one month. Any remaining tumor can be treated again with HIFU within about two to three months,” he said.
Patients are also given medication to reduce side effects such as swelling caused by the ablation process.
Faster Recovery Time
One of the main advantages of HIFU is its relatively short recovery time compared to surgery. “Patients usually need about two days in the hospital, and afterward, medication can be continued on an outpatient basis,” concluded dr. Sugianto.
With a shorter hospital stay and no surgical procedure required, HIFU becomes an attractive option for patients seeking effective treatment with minimal risk.
HIFU at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri offers an innovative solution for treating tumors, including large coccyx tumors that are difficult to manage with conventional methods.
With a non-surgical approach, minimal pain, and faster recovery, this technology provides new hope for patients, especially those who do not respond well to treatments such as chemotherapy.
Profile and Practice Schedule of dr. Sugianto at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri
HIFU therapy for coccyx tumors at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri is handled by dr. Sugianto Santoso, Sp.Rad (K)RI, a radiologist with a subspecialty in interventional radiology.
In performing procedures, he utilizes various medical imaging technologies such as ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, and fluoroscopy to ensure precision and accuracy. In addition to HIFU, dr. Sugianto is also experienced in other minimally invasive procedures for tumor treatment without major surgery, including TACE, Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA), and Microwave Ablation.
He completed his medical degree at Maranatha Christian University in Bandung and continued his radiology specialist training at the University of Indonesia.
dr. Sugianto Santoso, Sp.Rad (K)RI is available for consultation at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri on:
- Tuesday: 16:00 – 20:00 WIB
- Thursday: 16:00 – 20:00 WIB
To make your visit more convenient, you can use the WhatsApp Chat feature, Book Appointment service, or the Care Dokter app (available on Google Play and the App Store) to manage appointments, check queue numbers, and access more information.
