Tag: Wockhardt Hospital

TAVI/TAVR Heart Procedure Saves the Life of A 72-Year-Old Woman at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road

Mumbai: A team consisting of Dr. Anup Taksande, Consultant Interventional Cardiologist, Dr. Mayuresh Pradhan, Consultant Cardiovascular Thoracic and Heart Transplant Surgeon and Dr. Manik Chopra, Structural Heart Disease Intervention Cardiologist and TAVR & TAVI Specialist, carried out one of the first successful life-saving Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) procedure on a 72-year-old Mira Road woman. This patient had a history of severe comorbidities, including two strokes and two Angioplasties to treat severe Calcified Aortic Valve Stenosis. The skilled team of experts at Wockhardt Hospitals accomplished this extraordinary accomplishment by avoiding open heart surgery through the effective use of a TAVR (Valve procedure), preventing sudden cardiac arrest, and enhancing her overall health.

Patient Mrs Heera Mishra’s life took a turn when she suffered a major heart attack and then underwent two Angioplasties in 2010 and 2014. Her health struggles continued as she was later diagnosed with a stroke in 2018, followed by another stroke in 2021. Her condition deteriorated further when she developed progressive narrowing in the Aortic Valve of her heart, last year. Upon examination, the doctor observed that her ejection fraction (EF) was low due to a previous heart attack, leading to restrictions on her physical activity at home. She faced multiple hospital admissions for severe dizziness, low blood pressure, and breathlessness in September and July due to her medical issues. Subsequently, she was readmitted on December 30th, 2023. However, the patient got a fresh lease of life at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road when the doctors performed a groundbreaking TAVR procedure for her Valve disease.

Heera Mishra Patient

Dr Anup R Taksande, Consultant Interventional Cardiologist, Wockhardt Hospital, Mira Road said, “On arrival, the patient was in critical condition. She had low BP and was severely symptomatic with breathlessness and giddiness. The focus was on the Aortic Valve which was getting narrow. This results in the Valve not fully opening, reducing or blocking blood flow to the body. In severe cases, Aortic Valve Stenosis causes sudden Cardiac Arrest that can cause death. This condition is commonly seen in the elderly over 65 with comorbidities such as Coronary Artery Disease, Stroke, and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Around 0.5% to 1% percent of the population above 65 years of age suffers from Calcific Aortic Valve Stenosis.”

Dr Anup Taksande added, that Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) is a non-surgical procedure done in the Cath Lab and has helped avoid open-heart surgery by minimizing invasiveness and reducing the risk of morbidity and mortality. The procedure is performed under mild anesthesia and is suture-less through the groin. The uneventful procedure lasted for 30 minutes and the patient was shifted to the ICU for a day and made to walk after 12 hours of procedure. She was shifted to the ward for a day and then discharged in stable condition on 2nd Jan 24. The patient came after 10 days for follow-up. She was asymptomatic with no further complaints of giddiness or breathlessness.”

“Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road has established itself as a leader in providing cutting-edge cardiac care, particularly in performing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) procedures. This minimally invasive and highly effective treatment option offers renewed hope for elderly patients suffering from heart problems. The hospital’s state-of-the-art facilities and advanced medical technologies enable the expert team of cardiologists and surgeons to perform TAVR procedures with precision. Through this innovative approach, elderly individuals are provided an opportunity to undergo life-saving treatment without enduring the rigors of traditional open-heart surgery. Wockhardt Hospital’s commitment to staying at the forefront of medical advancements ensures that this vulnerable population receives world-class care and access to groundbreaking treatments that can significantly prolong their lives,” said Dr Anup Taksande.

“My mother had a history of Strokes and Cardiac Arrest, and now Aortic Valve Stenosis was just petrifying for us. This new year marks a fresh start for her as she managed to avoid open heart surgery through the use of TAVR. I am grateful to the skilled team of doctors who saved my mother’s life.” concluded the son of the patient Mr Sujith Mishra.

Wockhardt Hospital, Mira Road Initiates Hands-Only CPR (Cardiopulmonary resuscitation) drive During Vaccination

 

Mumbai: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a lifesaving technique used to revive the person whose breathing or heartbeat stops. But, lack of CPR awareness is a big health challenge in the country. Wockhardt Hospital, Mira Road, has taken an initiative to empower the public to help and resuscitate victims of cardiac events until the help arrives to reduce mortality rates. The hospital via its hands-on campaign will demonstrate to the people – Hands only CPR in the coming months.

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is an emergency procedure wherein chest compressions along with artificial ventilation is done to manually preserve the brain function until the breathing and spontaneous blood circulation is restored in a person suffering from cardiac arrest. CPR is given when one’s heart stops or fails to deliver oxygen to the entire body. It is helpful in a lot of emergencies like a cardiac arrest, near drowning, car accidents, choking, heart attacks, electric shocks or someone stops breathing. If CPR is provided within a few minutes of the heart-stopping, it triples the chances of the patient returning to normal without suffering severe damage to the brain and other organs in the body.

Dr. Tushau Prasad, Consultant Emergency Medicine, Wockhardt Hospital, Mira Road said, “When a loved one experiences a cardiac arrest, seconds matter. A cardiac arrest can occur at any time and anywhere—home, work, or play, and the victim could be anyone, even someone you know and love. The steps to save a life are simple, and we believe everyone should learn them. For every minute CPR is delayed, a victim’s chance of survival decreases by 10%. Immediate CPR from someone nearby can double—even triple—their chance of survival. Our hands can do so many things, the most important of which may be saving someone’s life. The power is in OUR hands. Hands-Only CPR is recommended for use on teens or adults whom you see suddenly collapse.

The interested participants were given Hands-Only CPR demonstration on a mannequin to initiate CPR till the arrival of Ambulance service or Trained health care professional. This demonstration will help in preventing complications due to delay in CPR and ensure that a patient reaches the hospital safely. The participants were also given a certificate of appreciation for being a critical part of the campaign.

Dr. Pankaj Dhamija Center head, Wockhardt Hospital, Mira Road said, “Effective CPR (Cardiopulmonary resuscitation) skills make a very big difference by doubling a person’s chance of survival if performed at the right time in the right way. Thus, we wanted to educate people regarding this technique. More than 900 vaccine beneficiaries were given a Hands-only CPR demonstration in a day by our experts. In the future also, we tend to undertake a lot of such activities to save as many lives as possible.

“Hands-only CPR knowledge can ensure that our loved ones or those in the need can overcome any unfortunate incident like a heart attack as not many people know about it. Hands-only CPR demonstrations should also be given in schools and colleges as well. I thank Wockhardt Hospital, Mira Road for coming up with this unique initiative and it should reach a maximum number of people. Look forward to more such initiatives that will help citizens to lead a healthy life” concluded the vaccine beneficiary Ms Pradnya Shinde.

25-Year-Old Female with Tongue Cancer Successfully Treated at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road

Mumbai: A team headed by Dr. Sheetal Radia, Consultant Otorhinolaryngology and Head & Neck Oncosurgery, Wockhardt Hospital, Mira Road gave a fresh lease of life to a 25-year-old female with tongue cancer. The patient with symptoms of the ulcerative lesion over tongue Underwent surgery – partial glossectomy + modified neck dissection+ radial forearm flap reconstruction. The patient was discharged after 6 days of stay at the hospital. The patient can eat, swallow food, is able to taste food and speak properly now.

Mrs. Sangeeta Kamdar (name changed) a resident of Mira road suddenly was unable to eat food as she had a non-healing tongue ulcer, unable to eat spicy food, and was unable to speak properly/slurred speech. Initially, she dismissed all the symptoms by thinking it may be normal, she took medicines from a local doctor thinking it’s a simple ulcer. Later when the ulcer was not healing after a long time, she came to Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road with a biopsy report suggesting cancer (squamous cancer) wherein her tongue was saved.

Dr. Sheetal Radia, Consultant Otorhinolaryngology and Head & Neck Oncosurgery, Wockhardt Hospital, Mira Road said, “On arrival in OPD, the patient was having a non-healing ulcer. A biopsy was conducted to confirm tongue cancer. Tongue cancer is the type of head and neck cancer that starts in the cells of one’s tongue leading to tumors or lesions in the tongue, Stage 3 cancer. The causes were tobacco chewing, cigarette smoking. It spread to the lymph glands of the neck. Dr. Sheetal has treated many patients with tongue cancer. The line of treatment is surgery followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy. She would have lost her entire tongue if cancer would not have been detected and treated promptly.”

Dr. Sheetal added, “the patient was discharged 6th day after surgery. She followed up 3 times with us. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy are going on. Tobacco chewing, smoking, or consumption of alcohol in any form should be avoided to prevent the tongue and other cancers of the head & neck. Oral hygiene, dental hygiene should be maintained, sharp teeth ill-fitting dentures should be addressed by the dentist as soon as possible.”

Dr. Radia adds, “Reconstruction was done by using forearm flap (Radial forearm flap) [That is skin, muscles, and tissues from the left wrist were used for reconstruction]. After reconstruction, the patient had good fluent speech – near normal. Her cosmoses were maintained as surgery was done from the inside mouth, there were no external scar marks on the face. Her eating, swallowing, speech, opening-closing of mouth all functions were maintained along with cosmoses.”

“I was at home when I noticed non-healing ulcers for a long time around 2 months. Initially, I didn’t take the symptoms seriously and ignored them. Later, I couldn’t eat food as swallowing became difficult and there was a sore throat. I wasn’t able to speak and my family members found it difficult to understand what I wanted to convey. I was petrified after the diagnosis of tongue cancer. I became numb and was in a state of shock for at least an hour. I locked up myself in the room, didn’t speak to anyone, and cried the entire night. I wasn’t aware of tongue cancer at all. There were many questions and doubts in my mind and wanted to just seek an answer for them. I thought what if I won’t be able to speak again? What am I going to do without my tongue? I couldn’t imagine my life without a tongue. Fortunately, I could seek appropriate treatment at Wockhardt Hospitals and thank the doctors for saving my tongue. I can speak normally and eat properly now. Do not give up if you suffer from tongue cancer, it is possible to treat it and live a normal life,” said patient Mrs. Sangeeta Kamdar (name changed).

81-year-old woman with Parkinson successfully treated at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road Amid Pandemic

Mumbai: A team headed by Dr. Pavan Pai, Neurologist, Wockhardt Hospital, Mira Road successfully treated an 81-year-old woman with Parkinson’s. The patient who was unable to do her daily activities with ease has resumed her normal routine.

Life was smooth until the patient Mrs. Aruna Modi a resident of Mira Road, suddenly encountered problems with movement and suffered from a urine infection, a year ago. She suddenly lost interest in her real-world activities like bathing and avoided getting involved in family discussions. She would remain aloof and later required support for performing daily chores. Her worried family members assumed that she is depressed and took her to various medicos but nothing helped. However, the patient was brought to Neurology OPD at Wockhardt Hospital, Mira Road in August 2020, wherein she was able to get back on track.

Dr. Pavan Pai, Neurologist, Wockhardt Hospital, Mira Road, highlighted, “On arrival, a series of tests like MRI confirmed that the patient suffered from progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) type of Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s disease is a long-term, degenerative, neurological disease that leads to the loss of control over some body functions. It causes slowing of movement, shaking, difficulty in moving the eyes, dull facial expressions, stiffness, and difficulty with walking, balance, and coordination in people. It predominately takes a toll on the dopamine-producing neurons in a specific area of the brain known as substantia nigra. As the disease progresses, one may have difficulty walking and talking, and advanced age is the risk factor for the occurrence of Parkinson’s.”

Dr Pai added, “The patient was immediately started on dopamine replacement therapy. After a week, the dosage of the medication was increased and she improved a lot. In the 1st week of September 2020, the patient started walking without the support and resumed her daily routine. She started having conversations with people and even played cards. Around 12% of patients visiting me on a daily basis have Parkinson’s disease. Timely intervention is key to manage the disease. On follow-up after 8 months, the patient is not only leading a normal life but also started performing activities like cooking which she enjoyed doing earlier.”

“I was shattered and lost interest in day-to-day life. First, I thought it is depression but prompt diagnosis at Wockhardt Hospital, Mira Road confirmed it is Parkinson’s disease. If you are above 60 and suddenly lose interest in daily activities then get yourself checked before the condition worsens. I thank the doctors for giving me a new lease of life” concluded patient Mrs. Aruna Modi.

Box

Watch out for these symptoms of Parkinson’s disease

  • Tremor (trembling) in hands, arms, legs, jaw, or head
  • Limb stiffness
  • Slowness of movement
  • Impaired balance and posture
  • Swallowing problem
  • Urinary incontinence
  • Dull facial expressions
  • Changes in speech and writing

A 17-Year-Old College Student with Advanced Stage Varicose Veins Successfully Treated at Wockhardt Hospital, Mira Road

Mumbai: Varicose veins are commonly seen even in younger patients. A team headed by Dr. Himanshu Shah, Chief Senior Varicose Vein Consultant, Wockhardt Hospital, Mira Road successfully treated a 16-year-old college boy with Advanced Stage Varicose Veins by performing minimally invasive laser surgery. The patient was 17 years old discharged the next day and has resumed his daily routine.

Varshil Shah, a college student from Santacruz was jolted out of his normal life due to leg pain, fatigue, and leg cramps for two consecutive months. This made it difficult for him to attend his online classes as sitting or standing for long hours wasn’t possible. Moreover, he was also unable to do his real-world activities with ease. The patient and his family members were worried and constantly looked for solutions. However, the patient approached Wockhardt Hospital, Mira Road wherein he could stand on his feet again.

Dr. Himanshu Shah, Chief Senior Varicose Vein Consultant, Wockhardt Hospital, Mira Road, highlighted, “On arrival, a simple Color Doppler ultrasound test confirmed that the patient suffered from advance stage varicose veins both legs. Varicose veins can be described as painful, swollen, twisted, and bulging veins that are blue and dark purple in Color under the skin. The causes in children can be hereditary, doing activities jumping or running and obesity. It is a commonly occurring problem in children and I have successfully treated around 100 cases of very young age in the age group 18-25, since last few years. This patient required minimally invasive laser surgery as early as possible for the Varicose veins.

Dr. Himanshu Shah added, “In this patient’s case, there were many additional (varicose) veins parallel to the normal structure of veins. This involves applying heat from a laser to fade away the appearance of varicose veins. This procedure tends to shrink and close the varicose veins to allow the blood to easily flow to the other veins that are present nearby. The leakage of the veins has to be treated by laser surgery. After successfully performing the surgery for one-and-half hours and the patient was shifted to the normal ward. And was discharged the next day.

The patient is recommended to take precautions like exercising every day to prevent the appearance of new varicose veins. Walking will ensure sufficient blood supply to the legs and prevent varicose veins. Maintaining an optimum weight, avoiding standing or sitting for a longer time, wearing compression stalking, and a controlled diet for overweight will prevent varicose veins.

“My life was disrupted and I couldn’t concentrate on my studies owing to the unbearable leg pain. I would just lay down on my bed the entire day. After undergoing the laser surgery, I have resumed my daily routine, started exercising, and avoid sitting or standing for a longer time. My family and I are happy with the prompt treatment offered by the doctors and thank them for their cooperation and support. I also go for regular follow-ups to make sure that the veins do not appear again,” concluded the patient Varshil Shah.

Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road Successfully Performed A Complex Surgery to Save Eyes of A 26-year-old Accident Victim with Multiple Facial Fractures

Mumbai: A team led by Dr. Abdul Hameed, a Consultant Maxillofacial Surgeon, Wockhardt Hospital, Mira Road, successfully operated a 26-year-old accident victim for multiple facial fractures to save his eyes and eliminate the risk of vision loss. The patient was discharged without any post-operation complications and under follow-up for two-three months.

A 26-year-old Yash Kanojia, a resident of palghar, met with an accident while traveling on a bike. Initially, he was admitted to the local hospital for primary care later patient was shifted to Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road.

Dr. Abdul Hameed, Consultant Maxillofacial Surgeon, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road, said, “On arrival in an emergency the patient was critical and was advised immediate CT Scan to rule the situation of the eye and facial fractures. His CT scan revealed that there were multiple fractures on the face involving the bones around his eyes and that could have led to the vision impairment. Hence, the patient was advised to undergo fixation of all the facial bone fracture and exploration of eye and repair of the orbital bone fractures impinging on the eyeball, once he was neurologically fit for the surgery till then he was managed with medications.”

Dr. Hameed added, “To avoid further complications, it was decided to perform the surgery in one go. The surgery lasted for 3-4 hours. The surgery was carried out smoothly with desired results. Timely intervention, proper diagnosis and treatment can save people.”

“His life was shattered after that ghastly accident. He had bruises all over his face and he couldn’t even see properly as the facial fractures compressing his eye. We were disheartened and not able to understand but doctors at the hospital gave us hope and assurance that he will be fine. We thank the doctors for their prompt treatment for saving his eyes in fact his eyes. 2021, have got a fresh lease of life to our son,” concluded the patient’s father Papu Kanojia.

47-Year-Old Man with A Rare Complication of Deep Vein Thrombosis Successfully Treated at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road

Mumbai: A team consisting of 3 doctors, Dr. Girish L. Bhalerao, Super Specialty Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Dr. Upendra Bhalerao, Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgeon, and Dr. Shraddha Deshpande. Consultant Plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Wockhardt Hospital, Mira Road saved the left leg of the patient which turned had turned black due to the rare complication of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). The patient also underwent extensive skin grafting procedure to replace the entire circumference of his leg which had got damaged due to the disease.

Mr. Rane (name changed to protect identity) a 47-year-old resident of Mira Road businessman, couldn’t concentrate on his work as he encountered unexplained foot pain and swelling in the left leg in 2016. He was diagnosed with Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) a condition wherein blood clots form in the veins that are located deep inside the body. He was taking regular medications and precautions for the same.

But the Coronavirus lockdown turned into a nightmare for this patient as it aggravated his condition. Due to the long hours of sitting during the lockdown, he experienced foot pain in July 2020 and was unable to walk. The patient and his family panicked as his left leg turned black as he couldn’t get proper medical advice. He consulted a doctor from a local hospital who advised him amputation of the left leg as the condition had become life-threatening. He then approached Wockhardt hospital, Mira road in a bid to save his leg.

Dr. Girish L. Bhalerao, Super Specialty Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Wockhardt Hospital Mira Road said “On admission, the patient was in septic shock which is a serious condition that leads to the infection throughout the body and one’s blood pressure drops as well.

Dr. Upendra Bhalerao, Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgeon, Wockhardt Hospital, Mira Road said, “DVT affects the legs and causes disruption in the vascular outflow. Delayed diagnosis and not treating the clot at the right time can lead to scar tissue in the wall, permanently damaging the deep veins. In serious cases, DVT causes Pulmonary Embolism, a blood clot that travels to the lungs. In this patient, deep vein thrombosis had led to necrosis of the entire circumference of his leg and caused a life-threatening infection. Initially, he was stabilized and the infection was controlled. Once that was done the skin necrosis was tackled by Dr. Shraddha Deshpande. Consultant Plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Wockhardt Hospital, Mira Road.

Dr. Shraddha Deshpande said “Post DVT, the skin of the leg was severely damaged and required extensive debridement. Immediate cover of such a large wound was necessary, hence a skin grafting procedure was performed for this patient. He also had necrotic skin patches in his thighs which were addressed later in stages. Due to his disease, his blood coagulation had to be monitored continuously to make sure there is no bleeding during this extensive surgery. Eventually, the patient has healed completely and can now walk pain-free.

“Leg pain snatched away my peace of mind over the years. But, during the lockdown, my condition worsened and my left leg turned black. I was embarrassed and would wear full pants so that the leg is not visible. It took a toll on my self-esteem as my left leg appeared discolored when compared to the right one. I thank doctors from Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road for helping me move freely again,” concluded patient Mr. Rane.

Gastrointestinal Problems Continued To Haunt People Amid Coronavirus Lockdown

Mumbai: Though Coronavirus is a matter of concern all over the world, even non-Covid ailments need an equal amount of attention. Many patients with gastrointestinal issues severe pain, perforation, obstruction, infection, jaundice, bleeding. neglected them, and landed at the hospital with complications such as infection, peritonitis, sepsis and multiorgan failure Around 122 patients had to undergo surgeries from March 22 to September 30, to get back on track and improve their quality of life. Do not take your health for granted and avoid delaying treatment, if you have any ailment.

During lockdown in India due to highly contagious Covid 19 infection, there was the immediate reaction of healthcare scarcity. People were scared, panicked, and hesitated to get timely treatment due to the fear of contracting the infection. Amid lockdown, Wockhardt Hospital continued to carry out gastrointestinal surgeries by performing all kinds of’ cancer, benign and laparoscopic surgeries. According to a study named gastrointestinal surgery in Tertiary care center during a pandemic: Single surgeon, a single-center experience that was published in the Indian Journal of Surgery, along with Covid, even non-Covid ailments were bothersome during the lockdown.

Dr. Imran Shaikh, consultant Surgical Gastro, and GI Oncosurgery, Wockhardt Hospital, Mira Road, said, “From March 22 To September 30, 122 patients operated with most patients were between 50 to 70 years ( 52 patients ) and 25 patients were in the 30-40 years age group. Most common symptom – severe abdominal pain. Most patients were female (69 patients), amounting to 56.5 % of the study population. Amongst all 65 were open surgeries and 57 were laparoscopic surgeries. A significant amount of emergency surgeries (57 surgeries- 46.7%) was performed. Thirty-five GI cancer cases were also operated who could not wait further.”

Dr. Shaikh added, “The Hospital adhered to the Covid-19 protocol while operating on patients with gastrointestinal problems. Everyone entering the hospital premises was screened by handheld thermal guns. Only one attendant was allowed with each patient to prevent overcrowding. Hand sanitizers were placed at easily accessible spots all across the hospital. Dedicated audio/visual notices were put out at regular intervals promoting frequent hand washing, mask usage, and social distancing measures. The number of persons entering crowded places (like elevators) was limited and standing spaces marked. Sitting areas were adequately spaced to maintain social distancing. All public areas and regular contact surfaces were sanitized every hour. Outpatient departments (OPD’s) were operated only on a strict appointment basis to prevent overcrowding.”

Delaying surgeries or neglecting various health issues will increase morbidity and mortality leading to poor outcomes as patients visit the hospitals when the condition is unmanageable. People are jeopardizing their own lives. Emergencies causing serious consequences can be avoided if people avail treatment.

Gall Bladder Infection with Rupture, Induced Multiorgan Failure and cardiac arrest, In 56-Year-Old Man Successfully Operated At Wockhardt Hospital, Mira Road

A team headed by Dr Imran Shaikh, Consultant GI & HPB surgeon, Wockhardt Hospital, Mira Road, saved the life of a 56-year-old man with an infection and ruptured gall bladder that led to multiorgan failure. The patient was very critical with lifesaving supports for heart and lung, underwent major life-saving surgery – Exploratory laparotomy with cholecystectomy and peritoneal lavage with drainage. The patient is discharged after 15 days and he is now resumed back his work.

Mr Prakash Acharya, a 56-year-old resident Bhayandar, who is working as supervisor encountered severe excruciating abdominal pain and Vomiting. He experienced this kind of pain the first time. The pain was so severe that he needed injections and also, he couldn’t eat food. Though, he didn’t have other comorbidities such as diabetes and hypertension. He was admitted to a nearby nursing home and on evaluation found to have Gall bladder stone with severe infection and complication like rupture of Gall bladder. There was a severe infection along with multiorgan failure that took a toll on his kidneys, lungs, and heart. He was critical and planed Gall bladder surgery at a nursing home.

To the patient’s dismay, after anaesthesia, he suffered from cardiac arrest and was given Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), a life-saving technique to revive him. After two attempts of CPR, he was revived and surgery was deferred. He was put on a ventilator and shifted for further management at Wockhardt Hospital, Mira Road.

Dr Imran Shaikh, Consultant GI & HPB Surgeon, Wockhardt Hospital, Mira Road highlighted, “Patient arrived in very bad shape. In the emergency room, the patient was unstable with on high ventilatory and cardiac support. The patient was shifted to ICU on life-saving support. The condition was so critical that despite maximum ventilatory support his oxygen saturation would remain around 88 %. He required three lifesaving drugs in very high dosages to barely maintain his heart and Blood pressure. His kidney was hit badly with high creatinine and low urine output. Emergency CT scan of chest and abdomen done which showed worsening infection in the abdomen as well as in chest. Patients vigorous resuscitation continued in ICU as per standard protocol. Higher antibiotics, nutritional support, ventilatory and BP support and Kidney supports were continued.

A most important decision was to operate upon him which was supra major surgery and considering the critical status of the patient it would have been a very high risk to his life. We waited almost 24 hours and continued resuscitation before we could make him little better to subject for surgery. Team of doctors including Intensivist, Physician, Chest Physician, Cardiologist and Gastrosurgery tried very hard to make him stable so that surgery can be performed. Surgery was lasted for four hours & Patient tolerated surgery very well. During surgery lot of pus and infection drained from the abdomen and Gall bladder was removed. The whole abdomen was thoroughly cleaned.

He was shifted to ICU on all lifesaving support. As soon surgery controlled the source of infection, he showed remarkable recovery in ICU. Within 72 hours his heart and BP stabilised and kidneys improved. Though he required a ventilator for 5 days but made an uneventful recovery. After 7 days of surgery, he was shifted towards on full diet. While recovering in the remains drowsy Inspite all other organs were improving, so neurologist opinion was sought. Biggest fear was hypoxic brain injury which happens due to lack of blood supply to the brain when the heart was stopped twice. But fortunately, no major injury to brain detected and he improved on medical management. After two weeks from surgery, he was all fit and discharged.

A lot of people take Gall bladder stone very lightly, but it has associated with a complication like acute infection, Jaundice, perforation, gangrene and Cancer. All these complications are life-threatening. We can avoid this complication by simple Laparoscopic surgery in an elective setting which requires an only one-day hospital stay. Also, whenever complication happens it should be managed at the tertiary care centre where all facilities and experts are available. We could save this patients life purely because of teamwork and facilities.

Mr. Acharya

 

“My abdominal pain was unbearable to the extent that I couldn’t even move or walk properly. My world came crashing down after I got to know that the gallbladder has ruptured. I was hoping for some miracle to happen and was happy to know that the doctors gave me a fresh lease of life. I thank the doctors for their limitless efforts taken amid the pandemic. Now, I can do my daily chores with ease and have resumed to normal life,” concluded patient Mr Prakash Acharya.

A 47-Year-Old Palghar Woman with Rare COVID‐19 Associated Encephalitis Successfully Recovered at Wockhardt Hospital, Mira Road

A team headed by Dr Pavan Pai, a Neurologist at Wockhardt Hospital Mira Road, successfully treated a critically ill 47-year-old woman with altered sensorium like impaired consciousness, central nervous system (CNS) related symptoms, delirium, brain inflammation, viral meningitis is a rare manifestation of COVID‐19 associated encephalitis. COVID‐19 not only affects respiratory health. Lately, severe neurological complications, like encephalitis, Guillain‐Barré syndrome, and stroke has also been reported in some patients.

Shaista Pathan, a resident of Palghar, a housewife, suddenly became confused, complained of abdominal pain and headache. The patient was taken to a local hospital that administered pain killers to her on 13 August. Still, the pain persisted and her condition deteriorated further. However, the patient was referred to Wockhardt Hospital, Mira Road, wherein her life was saved.

Dr Pavan Pai, a Neurologist at Wockhardt Hospital Mira Road, explained, “On admission, the patient presented with altered sensorium, delirium, confusion, fluctuating consciousness, agitated behaviour, fever and abdominal pain on August 14. There was no medical, infectious, or behavioural prodrome in past but had a contact history with her cousin who also had similar symptoms and was tested COVID positive at another hospital. A CT scan of the abdomen, chest, and brain was performed before admitting her to the COVID suspect ICU as her antigen test was negative. Her blood reports were normal.

On August 15, an MRI brain was done that showed no bleeding or blood clot in the brain. She had neck stiffness and it was suggesting towards CNS infection but she was not allowing to perform CSF analysis to confirm it due to her agitated behaviour. She was given medications to manage meningitis and calm down. A COVID swab test was done and she was positive. The patient was presumed to have COVID‐19 associated encephalitis and shifted in the COVID ICU.”

The common clinical features of COVID‐19 are cough, shortness of breath, and fever. Lately, COVID‐19 related severe neurological complications, like encephalitis, Guillain‐Barré syndrome, skeletal muscle involvement, and stroke have also been reported. Encephalitis is an acute inflammatory condition of the brain characterized by fever, delirium, and altered consciousness is seen in critically ill patients.

“The patient was treated with antivirals, antiepileptic drug, antibiotics, steroids, and brain edema reduction drugs, to treat the brain infection and help her gain her senses. On 17th August evening patient recovered, recollected everything, spoke to her relatives, and even ate food on her own. On August 19, her CSF confirmed viral meningitis. She recovered completely, was discharged on August 22, and was sent for a week mandatory quarantine at home,” said Dr Pai.

“I am fortunate to have received prompt and timely treatment at Wockhardt Hospital, Mira Road as I didn’t recollect things after I got infected as it took a toll on my functioning of the brain. But now I have gained my senses back. I thank doctors for giving me a new lease of life,” concluded patient Shaista Pathan.