Medical breakthrough

In a complex reconstructive microsurgery performed at Aware Global Hospitals, Hyderabad, a team of doctors successfully saved the crushed right forearm of a factory worker

Global Hospitals performed a complex reconstructive microsurgery to successfully save the crushed right upper limb of a young factory worker hailing from a village near Warangal.

Last year on December 15, the 25-year-old Rakesh Kumar Kori had a dreadful accident and suffered amputation of the right upper arm. The patient was immediately taken to local hospital, where the orthopedic surgeon examined the limb. The patient was then shifted to Aware Global Hospital where he was immediately rushed to the emergency room for re-plantation.

The Plastic and Reconstructive microsurgical team led by Dr N Jithendran and Dr Prashant Moon carried out the complex reconstructive microsurgery to replant the amputated arm. The six and half hour complex replantation surgery involved dissection of the patient’s amputated part under magnification to identify the major nerves – the main artery and veins including fixation of the bone and closure of the wound.

Talking about the surgery, Dr N Jithendran, consultant plastic and reconstructive microvascular surgeon, Global Hospitals, said, “To take something that is literally detached and to get it back to life is extremely gratifying. Life had been restored to the hand that earlier in the day was dead. The operation was a success — and the patient a very lucky man.”

Elaborating on the patient’s condition, Dr Jithendran adds, “The replanted forearm and hand is healthy. There is no infection or discharge. And, patient is doing well and was discharged in 8 days after re-plantation. Union is expected in 2-3 months. And, it will take another 8 to 12 months for nerve regeneration. Hand sensation and function will improve as the regeneration of nerves proceeds.”