Thu Ra San, 52, helps keep skies safe as an Air Traffic Control operator with Myanmar Airways International. HCG Cancer Hospital, Kolkata returned him the favour — on the ground.
The resident of Mandalay had first reached out to HCG Kolkata last year for treatment of prostate cancer. Evaluation at the hospital showed that the cancer was localised, and he was planned for a robot-assisted radical prostatectomy under Dr Gaurav Aggarwal, Senior Consultant and HOD, Uro Oncology & Robotics, HCG Cancer Hospital, Kolkata.
But before the surgery, standard pre-operative tests threw up an unexpected and serious finding: a 99% blockage in the proximal LAD, one of the heart’s major arteries. The cancer surgery was immediately put on hold and, following clinical protocols, the cardiac risk was addressed first. Mr San underwent angioplasty and stenting, and was kept on hormone therapy while the team waited for cardiology clearance. Alternative treatment options were discussed, but he remained keen on surgery.
Nearly eight months later, he returned to Kolkata for the procedure. “The robotic surgery was completed successfully in the last week of June 2026. At his first follow-up, 10 days later, his catheter and stitches were removed, biopsy findings were discussed, and he was declared fit to fly back home,” said Dr Aggarwal.
For patients from Myanmar, HCG Kolkata’s care goes beyond treatment. A Burmese translator and International Patient Care team coordinate everything from airport arrival and accommodation to appointments, admission, treatment, follow-up and departure.
Clinical expertise, robotic technology, multidisciplinary evaluation and end-to-end patient support together make specialised cancer care globally accessible — true to HCG’s ethos: Health Care Global.
