Ovarian Cancer Treatment in Mumbai – Interview with Dr Parulekar

 

As a medical journalist, I recently visited Kirit Nursing Home in Vile Parle to explore ovarian cancer treatment in Mumbai through the eyes of one of its leading specialists: Dr. Maitreyee Parulekar, a gynecologic oncologist known for her surgical skill and compassionate care. My aim was simple – to understand how modern cancer surgery is practiced here, what patients can realistically expect, and how expertise meets empathy in a high-stakes setting.

Dr. Maitreyee Parulekar: Qualifications, Experience & Clinic Environment

Dr. Maitreyee Parulekar is deeply rooted in both surgical excellence and global training. According to her profile, she holds an MBBS, MS in Obstetrics & Gynecology, and has earned the MRCOG (UK) along with fellowship training in gynecologic oncology. Her experience spans robotic and minimally invasive surgery, and she has practiced at both private and hospital settings, including Kirit Nursing Home.

The clinic setup at Kirit Nursing Home is understated but functional — clean consultation rooms, coordinated care teams, and surgical space that allows for careful planning of cancer surgeries. Through our visit, I saw how Dr. Parulekar balances the hospital’s high-acuity cancer care needs with a patient-centered atmosphere: consultations are thorough, and she prioritizes communication about treatment risks, staging, and long-term follow-up.

Understanding Ovarian Cancer Surgery in Her Practice

Dr. Parulekar described her approach to ovarian cancer treatment in Mumbai as tailored and evidence-based. She explained that for many patients, treatment begins with surgical cytoreduction—the removal of as much tumor burden as possible. Depending on disease extent, this may involve:

• Open (laparotomy) surgery: especially for advanced or bulky disease.
• Laparoscopic or robotic-assisted surgery, when feasible: these minimally invasive options allow for more precision, less blood loss, and faster recovery.
• Lymph node sampling and staging, where necessary, to guide further therapy.

She stressed that surgery is often paired with adjuvant chemotherapy, since ovarian cancer frequently spreads beyond the ovary. The goal of her surgical work is not just removal, but also preserving as much function and quality of life as possible, under careful oncologic principles.

Pros and Cons of Ovarian Cancer Surgery

Pros:

1. Maximal Tumor Removal: Cytoreductive surgery remains the cornerstone of treatment and offers the best chance for long-term control.
2. Advanced Technology: Her training in robotic and minimally invasive surgery provides refined operations with less trauma.
3. Personalized Care: She emphasizes staging, detailed pathology, and follow-up, customizing therapy to disease features.
4. Multidisciplinary Approach: She works closely with medical oncologists, pathology, and nursing teams to ensure coordinated care.

Cons / Challenges:

1. Surgical Complexity: Ovarian cancer surgery can be extensive, sometimes involving multiple organs—this carries risk.
2. Recovery Time: Even minimally invasive surgery requires several weeks of recovery, especially when combined with chemotherapy.
3. Cost Implications: Use of advanced technology, longer operating times, and hospital stay can increase costs.
4. Role of Adjuvant Therapy: Surgery alone is rarely curative; many patients need chemotherapy, which adds further risk and commitment.

Approximate Cost Range for Ovarian Cancer Treatment in Mumbai

Estimating cost for ovarian cancer treatment in Mumbai involves multiple variables—surgery, chemotherapy, hospital stay, diagnostics. Based on commonly available data:

• Basic surgical treatment may begin from around ₹2,25,000, according to oncologic cost-estimators in the city.
• For more advanced surgery (cytoreduction), plus adjuvant therapies, costs can rise significantly. According to other sources, full treatment costs (surgery + chemo) may go up to ₹6,00,000 or more, especially in private hospitals.

These numbers are indicative and can vary widely based on hospital, stage of cancer, and patient’s individual needs.

Other Doctors in Mumbai Offering Ovarian Cancer Care

To provide a broader context, I also researched two other gynecologic oncologists in the city who treat ovarian cancer with surgical and medical oncologic approaches.

Dr. Richa Bansal

• Qualifications & Experience: She holds an M.Ch in Gynecological Oncology from Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai.
• Areas of Expertise: Advanced cytoreductive surgeries including laparoscopic, robotic-assisted surgery, and procedures like HIPEC for peritoneal disease.
• Pros: Highly skilled in complex surgeries; strong training in high-volume cancer centre; female oncologist which may appeal to some patients.
• Cons: Given her specialization, surgical fees and hospital costs may be higher; scheduling and accreditation may matter.
• Aftercare / Precautions: Requires careful postoperative monitoring, follow-up imaging, blood work, and potential chemotherapy / HIPEC support.

Dr. Vivek Sukumar

• Qualifications & Experience: MCh in Surgical Oncology from Tata Memorial; fellowship in peritoneal surface oncology.
• Special Interests: Minimal access pelvic oncology, cytoreductive surgery for ovarian cancer, and peritoneal surface malignancies.
• Pros: Expertise in peritoneal cancer, advanced pelvic oncology, and minimally invasive approaches; strong surgical oncology background.
• Cons: Very complex surgeries may require multidisciplinary coordination; recovery can involve extended hospital stay for large cytoreduction.
• Aftercare: Requires rigorous follow-up, possibly intraperitoneal therapies, and support from oncology and nursing teams.

Precautions & Aftercare Advice from Dr. Parulekar

During our conversation, Dr. Maitreyee Parulekar emphasized several key precautions and post-treatment care points:

1. Pre-operative Assessment: Detailed imaging (CT/MRI), blood tests, and cardiac evaluation to assess fitness for major surgery.
2. Counseling: She ensures patients understand surgical goals (debulking vs complete resection), potential risks, and the need for follow-up therapy.
3. Nutrition & Support: Good nutrition before and after surgery is vital; she works with dietitians to optimize patient strength and healing.
4. Post-op Recovery: Use of physiotherapy, gradual mobilization, and wound care to reduce risks of complications like infection or thrombosis.
5. Long-Term Monitoring: After surgery, she advocates for regular follow-up with oncology, imaging, and labs to monitor for recurrence and manage long-term side‐effects.

My Observations as a Medical Journalist

Spending time with Dr. Maitreyee Parulekar at Kirit Nursing Home, I was struck by how she combines high surgical competence with genuine empathy. She doesn’t present ovarian cancer treatment merely as a fight; she frames it as a journey — one that demands medical precision, patient education, and emotional support.

Her global training (including in minimally invasive and robotic oncology) gives her a surgical edge, but what stood out more was her belief in patient-centered decision-making: staging, counseling, and long-term planning are not afterthoughts. Her work offers hope to many women seeking advanced cancer care in Mumbai without sacrificing quality or humanity.

While other specialists like Dr. Richa Bansal and Dr. Vivek Sukumar offer excellent alternative options (especially for complex or recurrent disease), Dr. Parulekar’s blend of innovation and accessibility makes her a compelling choice.

If you or someone you know is navigating ovarian cancer treatment in Mumbai and want to talk through surgical options, realistic outcomes, or what recovery really looks like — feel free to drop a message.

👉 Contact Us

📍 Kirit Nursing Home In Mumbai

📞 Call: +91 72087 27500

✉️ Email: info@drmaitreyeegynec.in