Patient Experience
Dr. Agarwal saved my 78-year-old mother from advanced ovarian cancer when three other surgeons said it was inoperable. Her meticulous planning and 7-hour surgery gave us five more precious years together. She still calls to check on mom's recovery.
Our 8-year-old daughter's rare abdominal tumor terrified us, but Dr. Pooja made her feel like a superhero facing a villain. She used coloring books to explain the surgery and even wore matching butterfly masks. Today our child is cancer-free and wants to be a surgeon.
Rushed to Manipal with acute intestinal obstruction from undiagnosed colon cancer, Dr. Agarwal performed emergency surgery at 2 AM. Her calm demeanor during crisis and detailed post-op care instructions made a terrifying experience manageable.
As a 45-year-old with BRCA mutation, I chose prophylactic mastectomy. Dr. Agarwal's innovative nerve-sparing technique preserved sensation better than I imagined possible. Her honest discussions about expectations versus reality were invaluable.
Follow-up visit after pancreatic Whipple procedure: Dr. Agarwal spent 45 minutes explaining my scans in layman's terms, drew diagrams, and answered every family member's question without rushing. Her aftercare is as exceptional as her surgery.
My husband's recurrent sarcoma required complex pelvic reconstruction. Dr. Agarwal collaborated with plastic surgeons for 12 hours to achieve clear margins while preserving leg function. Her multidisciplinary approach is outstanding.
First consultation for thyroid nodules: Dr. Agarwal detected subtle voice changes I hadn't noticed. Her insistence on laryngoscopy revealed early vocal cord involvement, changing our entire treatment approach. Incredible attention to detail.
Palliative surgery for metastatic gastric cancer: Dr. Agarwal was brutally honest yet compassionate about outcomes. She focused on quality of life, arranged pain management specialists, and still follows up personally despite terminal diagnosis.
Teenage son with testicular cancer was too embarrassed to speak up. Dr. Agarwal created a comfortable environment, used humor appropriately, and preserved fertility through sperm banking before orchectomy. She understands young patients uniquely.
Second opinion after being told my liver metastases were untreatable: Dr. Agarwal proposed innovative two-stage resection. Six months later, I'm NED. Her courage to take on challenging cases saved my life when others gave up.
Routine post-op check turned into life-saving intervention when Dr. Agarwal noticed subtle abdominal distension others missed. Rushed me for CT scan revealing internal bleeding from suture line. Her vigilance is supernatural.
80-year-old father with dementia and colon cancer: Dr. Agarwal modified consent process to include our entire family, created visual aids for him, and arranged geriatric consultation pre-op. She treats the whole person, not just the disease.
Medical tourist from Bangladesh: Dr. Agarwal coordinated everything from visa letters to affordable accommodation for my family. Her team handled insurance approvals and provided translators. World-class care with heart.
Rare desmoid tumor required custom surgical planning with 3D-printed models. Dr. Agarwal showed me the model pre-surgery, explaining exactly how she'd spare critical structures. Technological innovation combined with surgical artistry.
As an 82-year-old with limited mobility, I was terrified when diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer. Dr. Pooja Agarwal didn't just perform my lumpectomy,she arranged for hospital transport, explained everything in simple terms my generation understands, and even called my daughter personally after surgery. Her compassion matches her surgical skill.
Our 14-year-old daughter needed a complex biopsy after discovering a lump. Dr. Agarwal made her feel like a partner in her own care, using diagrams to explain the procedure and letting her choose the music in the OR. She treated our child with dignity we didn't know teenagers could receive in medical settings.
Rushed to Manipal Hospital at midnight with severe bleeding from a rapidly growing tumor, Dr. Agarwal met us in ER within 20 minutes. Her calm demeanor during emergency surgery saved my life,she worked until 4 AM and still did her morning rounds personally. Hero doesn't begin to cover it.
What I thought would be a routine follow-up after mastectomy turned into a profound conversation about body acceptance. Dr. Agarwal spent 45 minutes discussing reconstruction options and emotional healing, not just physical recovery. She sees the whole person, not just the disease.
Flying from Bhutan specifically for Dr. Agarwal's expertise in oncoplastic surgery, she coordinated my entire cross-border treatment seamlessly. Her team handled insurance, arranged interpreters, and created a surgical plan that preserved both my health and my sense of femininity.
When my biopsy results came back ambiguous, Dr. Agarwal didn't just order more tests,she sat with me for an hour explaining the statistical probabilities, different cancer types, and why she recommended watchful waiting rather than immediate surgery. Her transparency built incredible trust.