German doctors were able to successfully remove a 62-pound tumor from a 60-year-old woman they had previously diagnosed as obese. The surgery took seven hours and the woman has made a full recovery.

The surgery occurred at the University Hospital in Dresden, located in eastern Germany according to the Agence France-Presse. Doctors performed the seven-hour surgery on the 60-year-old Irmtraud Eichler. Pauline Wimberger, director of the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics at the University Hospital in Dresden, said the tumor “filled the whole abdomen from the pelvis to the rib cage," reports the Deutsche Presse-Agentur.

Eichler had been previously diagnosed as obese and doctors prescribed anti-diabetes medication to treat her recent weight gain. Eichler noticed the sudden weight gain eight months ago and did not believe that she gained all that weight by eating, reports the DPA.

The tumor continued to grow and became so swollen that Eichler could no longer stand up. Upon the request of Eichler’s daughter, the elderly woman underwent an ultrasound and that’s when the doctors discovered the massive tumor that was attached to an ovary.

The tumor measured around 24 inches (60 centimeters) by approximately 20 inches (50 centimeters). Eichler’s tumor was not benign, and, while malignant, was not threatening to Eichler’s overall health, notes AFP.

The doctors performed the surgery and were successfully able to remove the tumor. Unfortunately, doctors also had to remove Eichler’s uterus, ovaries and thyroid. Eichler’s thyroid had expanded which made breathing difficult, reports the AFP.

In all, Eichler lost 88 pounds after the surgery and removal of the tumor. Eichler is currently walking with the aid of crutches and is expected to recover completely. Eichler said "I cannot thank the doctors enough. I am a new person," according to the DPA.

The tumor, after removal, fit in a wheelbarrow according to the DPA.

Germany