DH NEWS SERVICE
Mohali, feb 13
Doctors at Max Super Speciality Hospital, Mohali, successfully treated a 14-year-old teenage girl who was suffering from severe and progressively worsening menstrual pain caused by a rare gynaecological condition present from birth. The complex surgery was performed by Dr. Shaveta Gupta, Consultant – Obstetrics and Gynaecology, helping the young patient achieve complete relief and return to a normal, pain-free life.
The girl had started menstruating at the age of 12 and initially experienced regular cycles. However, over time, her menstrual pain increased significantly. In her most recent cycle, the pain became continuous and severe, did not respond to painkillers, and began affecting her daily activities, prompting her family to seek specialized care.
To seek medical expertise, she came to Max Hospital, Mohali, where detailed investigations, revealed that the girl had a rare congenital condition in which she was born with double uterus. One of the vaginal passages was blocked, causing menstrual blood to accumulate inside the body rather than flow out normally. The scans also showed the absence of one kidney, a finding commonly associated with this condition, and prolonged internal blockage had led to the development of endometriosis, a painful condition.
Based on these findings, the condition was diagnosed as Herlyn–Werner–Wunderlich Syndrome, an extremely rare disorder seen in only 1 out of every 20,000 to 40,000 females. Because early menstrual cycles often appear normal, the condition is frequently diagnosed late, increasing the risk of complications if left untreated.
Speaking on the case, Dr. Shaveta Gupta, Consultant – Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Mohali, said, “The surgery was performed using a minimally invasive laparoscopic (keyhole) approach, where small instruments are inserted through tiny incisions after gently inflating the abdomen for better visualisation. During the procedure, we observed that the uterus was congenitally divided into two parts. The right side of the uterus was significantly enlarged and was associated with a large 5 × 7 cm endometriotic cyst (endometrioma) – roughly the size of a lemon, near the right fallopian tube, along with marked swelling of the tube due to accumulated menstrual blood. This obstruction had likely caused internal leakage and worsening pain. The left side of the uterus, ovary, and fallopian tube were normal. We carefully removed the endometrioma completely, relieved the obstruction, and ensured adequate drainage while preserving the normal reproductive structures. Bleeding was well controlled, and the procedure was successfully completed without complications.”
Following the procedure, the patient recovered smoothly and became completely pain-free. Her subsequent menstrual cycles were regular and painless, and early surgical intervention helped prevent long-term complications such as chronic pelvic pain, repeated infections, infertility, and reproductive problems later in life.
Dr. Gupta, emphasized that while mild menstrual pain is common in adolescent girls, pain that worsens with time or disrupts daily life should never be ignored. Early medical evaluation, she noted, plays a crucial role in identifying rare conditions and ensuring timely treatment, thereby safeguarding long-term reproductive health.
Max Super Speciality Hospital, Mohali, continues to strengthen its commitment to advanced women’s healthcare by offering early diagnosis and minimally invasive treatment for rare and complex gynaecological conditions. The successful management of this case highlights the importance of timely medical intervention and specialised care in adolescents, enabling young patients to lead healthy, pain-free lives and protecting their future reproductive health.
