Headlands Woman Has 25kg Tumour Successfully Removed At Rusape Hospital

A 39-year-old woman from Headlands has had a successful operation to remove a 25-kilogramme abdominal tumour at Rusape General Hospital.

The three-hour procedure, one of the largest tumour removals ever done at the district referral centre in recent years, was led by Dr Elton Sengurayi, the hospital’s only specialist surgeon, with a team of general practitioners, nurses, anaesthetists and support staff.

The patient, Chipo Ware, a farm worker, had been living with the tumour for three years. She was admitted after severe abdominal pain and swelling, with scans showing a massive growth taking up much of her abdomen. The condition had left her largely immobile and struggling to go about her daily life.

Despite seeking help at several major referral hospitals, Ware couldn’t afford treatment. In desperation, she also turned to traditional healers and prophets, but nothing worked.

Rusape General Hospital eventually took her in and went ahead with the surgery without demanding payment upfront.

At the time of reporting, her hospital bill stood at US$851, with more funds needed for pathological tests to be done elsewhere.

Fellow patients in her ward chipped in cash and shared medication to help with her recovery.

Dr Sengurayi, the hospital’s consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist, said the operation was high risk because the tumour was attached to the uterus, bowels and liver, which meant there was a real chance of severe bleeding. He said:

“It was a delicate undertaking, but we had to proceed. This lady came here last week with a swollen abdomen, a condition she had endured for over three years. She struggled to walk and had visited several hospitals without success.

“A scan revealed extensive fluid in the abdomen, and we decided to take her to theatre.

“Unfortunately, she had very little blood in her system, so we requested five units — three administered before surgery and two during the procedure.”

The operation, carried out on 11 February 2026, started at 11 am and lasted three hours. Said Dr Sengurayi:

“It was a long and difficult procedure, but with the help of the team, we managed to remove the tumour.

“It was stuck to the uterus, womb, bowels, and extended up to the liver. That made it extremely risky, as the liver area can bleed heavily.”

Dr Sengurayi revealed that the mass contained roughly 15,000 mL of fluid and weighed around 25 kg, possibly more due to spillage during removal.

He added that the next step is to send the tumour for pathological examination to determine its nature. He said:

“We expect recovery, but we do not yet know whether the tumour is cancerous or non-cancerous.

“Laboratory tests are essential, and we appeal to the community to assist with funds for these examinations.”

The patient, a mother of two from Malbrough Farm in Headlands, expressed her gratitude following the successful surgery.

Sister Francisca Mukwewa, one of the nurses caring for Ware, said her situation had deeply moved both staff and fellow patients, prompting them to donate medicines and toiletries. Said Mukwewa:

“Since admission, she has only been visited once by her daughter, and her relatives could not afford to come. We tried to reach out for assistance, but they had no money.”

For those willing to assist Chipo Ware with her hospital bill and funds for further pathological tests, the Rusape General Hospital Public Relations Officer, Margret Muchemwa, can be contacted on 0773845803 for the hospital’s banking details.

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