Medical Marvels: Doctors remove massive tumor from infant in delicate operation
NEW YORK (WABC) -- Eyewitness News is taking you inside Manhattan's New York-Presbyterian Hospital for a look at some extraordinary stories that we call Medical Marvels. It's a digital series exclusive to 7online.
Abbey Monzietti was born with an extremely rare and large tumor.
Most of the mass was inside her abdomen. A smaller external was attached to her tailbone.
It was a life-threatening situation that required immediate attention.
Abbey was just three days old when surgery was performed by doctors at New York Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center.
The massive tumor had to be removed in one piece to avoid recurrence.
The delicate, seven-hour operation posed extreme challenges.
"The stakes are very high with this surgery," said Dr. Nitsana Spigland of New York Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center. "Hemorrhage or bleeding is the most serious complication. And in a little baby like this, if you develop hemorrhage, it could be life-threatening. You could lose the baby on the operating table."
But the tumor was benign, and now, at eight months old, Abbey is healing remarkably well.
"It doesn't appear as if she's had any complications, which is amazing because we often do see complications," said Dr. Spigland. "It is a medical marvel."
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