Mangaluru Doctors Perform Life-Saving Surgery on 11-Year-Old Girl
In a remarkable medical achievement, doctors from KMC Hospital at Dr BR Ambedkar Circle in Mangaluru successfully saved the life of an 11-year-old girl from Kasaragod following a severe accident. The incident, which occurred on January 18, involved the child sustaining a critical injury after falling onto an iron rod that pierced through her right upper chest, posing an immediate threat to her life.
Emergency Response and Initial Treatment
After the accident, the local hospital provided initial treatment to stabilise the girl's condition. Recognising the complexity of the injury, they promptly referred her to KMC Hospital in Mangaluru for advanced medical care. Upon her arrival, Dr Arpita, a specialist in emergency medicine, along with her team, acted swiftly to assess and stabilise the patient. The urgency of the situation necessitated immediate transfer to the operating theatre for surgical intervention.
Complex Surgical Procedure
A complex emergency thoracotomy was performed to address the life-threatening injury. Dr Sadashiva Rao, a paediatric surgeon, led the procedure to safely remove the iron rod from the child's chest. The surgery required meticulous precision, as the rod had penetrated deeply, and there was a need to saw off extra pieces from both sides before extraction. Expert anaesthetic support was provided by Dr Sunil and Dr Freeda Praveena Cutinha, ensuring the patient's safety throughout the operation. The team executed the surgery without any complications, highlighting their expertise in handling such rare and critical cases.
Post-Operative Care and Recovery
Following the successful surgery, the child was transferred to the paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) for close post-operative monitoring. Under the dedicated care of Dr Swathi Rao, a consultant paediatric intensivist, the girl showed steady improvement. Her recovery was described as remarkable, with significant progress observed in the days following the procedure. Within just one week, she had recovered fully and was discharged from the hospital in a stable condition, ready to return to her normal life.
Expert Insights on Penetrating Chest Injuries
Dr Sadashiva Rao emphasised the rarity and severity of penetrating chest injuries in children, noting that they are extremely life-threatening. He stressed the importance of removing such objects only in the presence of a fully equipped medical team, as improper handling can exacerbate the situation. "This surgery was one of its kind, as there was a requirement to saw off the extra piece of rod from both sides before attempting to remove the rod from the chest," he explained, underscoring the unique challenges faced during the operation.
The successful outcome of this case serves as a testament to the advanced medical capabilities and teamwork at KMC Hospital in Mangaluru. It highlights the critical role of timely intervention and specialised care in saving lives, especially in paediatric emergencies involving rare and complex injuries.
