Gurgaon Hospital Performs Life-Saving Surgery on Construction Worker
In an extraordinary medical achievement that has captured attention across the region, doctors at a private hospital in Gurgaon have successfully removed a lengthy steel rod that had completely penetrated a construction worker's head. The 34-year-old patient is now recovering after the complex surgical procedure that required meticulous planning and execution.
The Critical Emergency Situation
The construction worker was rushed to the emergency ward of Artemis Hospital last week following a severe accident at his workplace. Emergency responders had already cut down the protruding rod at the scene, but approximately 2.5 feet of metal remained lodged in his body. The steel rod had entered through the back of his head and exited through the neck region, creating a potentially fatal situation.
The positioning of the rod severely restricted the patient's movements, presenting immediate challenges for the medical team. Standard medical protocols had to be adapted to accommodate the unique circumstances of this traumatic injury.
Multidisciplinary Medical Team Assembles
A specialized team of medical experts was quickly assembled to address this critical case. The multidisciplinary team was led by Dr. Shashidhar TB, head of the ENT department at Artemis Hospital. The surgical team included Dr. Aseem Srivastava from CTVS, Dr. Manan, and anaesthetist Dr. Jude, who collaborated closely throughout the procedure.
To accurately assess the situation, medical professionals performed a CT scan, which required innovative positioning of the patient due to the protruding rod. The scan results provided crucial information about the rod's trajectory and its proximity to vital anatomical structures, enabling the surgical team to develop a precise plan for extraction.
Innovative Surgical Approach Required
The medical team faced unprecedented challenges during the procedure. Anaesthesia had to be administered with the patient in a sitting position—a significant departure from standard practice—necessitated by the rod's angle and the need to avoid any movement that could worsen the injury.
In the operating theatre, surgeons continued with a semi-reclined posture for the patient to maintain optimal access and control while minimizing risks associated with sudden movements or pressure on the embedded metal object.
Dr. Shashidhar TB explained the complexity of the situation: "The situation required careful planning and precision at each step. Our focus was on ensuring the safest possible outcome, given the extraordinary nature of the injury."
Narrow Escape From Catastrophic Injury
Following the successful surgery, medical examination revealed just how close the patient came to permanent disability or death. The steel rod had passed dangerously close to critical structures including:
- The carotid arteries
- Jugular veins
- The spinal cord
- Vital brain regions
The surgical team first secured major blood vessels to prevent catastrophic bleeding, then carefully mobilized the rod along its track before extracting it in a controlled manner. After removal, doctors repaired the damaged tissues, and remarkably, the patient emerged from surgery with no neurological deficits.
Dr. Shashidhar emphasized the miraculous nature of the outcome: "The rod's path missed every structure that would have caused immediate death or permanent disability. With timely intervention, the patient got a second chance at life."
Construction Safety Concerns Highlighted
The injury is believed to have resulted from a fall at a construction site, with the rod piercing the neck laterally at an angle. This incident serves as a stark reminder about workplace safety, particularly in construction environments where such accidents can occur.
The case underscores the critical importance of wearing appropriate safety gear at all times on project sites, as proper protective equipment could potentially prevent or mitigate such severe injuries. Construction industry stakeholders are urged to reinforce safety protocols and ensure compliance with established safety standards.
The successful outcome at Artemis Hospital demonstrates the advanced medical capabilities available in Gurgaon's healthcare sector and highlights how coordinated, expert medical intervention can save lives even in the most challenging circumstances.
