Stanford University surgeons needed two stretchers during an operation this week - one for their patient and one for the 303-pound ovarian cyst they removed from the 34-year-old woman.
The woman, who did not want her name released, was "recovering and in excellent condition" Friday after the 61/2-hour operation, said Dr. Katherine O'Hanlan, the cancer surgeon who headed the team that conducted the delicate operation.The physician believes the cyst was the largest of its type in history. O'Hanlan said to her knowledge the largest cyst removed previously weighed 185 pounds.
"She's doing fine and her prospects for a full recovery and a normal life are excellent," O'Hanlan said. "Other than having had the cyst, she is an extremely strong and healthy woman with a fine supportive family."
The patient, who is 5 feet 10 inches tall, now weighs 210 pounds.
The patient had been "wisely hesitant" about having surgery, but finally agreed to have the cyst removed when things became unmanageable, O'Hanlan said.