Pune: A team of doctors at Manipal Hospital, Baner, Pune, recently performed a successful and complex spine correction surgery on a 19-year-old woman from Yemen suffering from severe congenital kyphoscoliosis. Admitted on September 12, 2024, the patient had been experiencing debilitating symptoms, including difficulty walking, sitting, and managing basic physiological functions like urination and defecation, as well as severe back pain.

Congenital kyphoscoliosis is a birth-related condition caused by abnormal vertebral development, leading to improper spine growth as the patient ages. In this case, the deformity resulted in severe spinal cord compression, causing a hunchbacked appearance and significantly reducing the patient's quality of life. Without timely intervention, the condition could have progressed to paralysis.

Dr. Rahul Chaudhari, Consultant Spine Surgeon at Manipal Hospital, Baner, Pune, described the surgery as extremely complex due to the severity of the deformity. "Our primary goal was to realign the spine, ensuring its stability and preventing further injury to the spinal cord," he explained. He emphasized that even a minor error during the procedure could have resulted in permanent paralysis.

To enhance precision and safety, the surgical team employed advanced intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) and navigation technology. These technologies provided real-time assessment of spinal cord function, enabling precise correction of the spine’s curvature while minimizing the risk of nerve injury. Dr. Chaudhari noted, "By carefully restructuring the spine, we were able to reduce the abnormal curvature and relieve the pressure on the compressed spinal cord. The cutting-edge technologies used were crucial in achieving these life-changing results safely."

The patient is now recovering well, with noticeable improvements in mobility and overall quality of life. She can now sit and walk with ease, which was previously a significant challenge.

Mr. Anand Mote, Cluster Director at Manipal Hospital, Baner, Pune, highlighted the hospital's commitment to offering world-class medical care. "This complex kyphoscoliosis case demonstrates our dedication to providing life-changing treatments to both local and international patients using the latest technologies and a skilled medical team," he said.

The surgical team, led by Dr. Rahul Chaudhari, included Consultant Anaesthetist Dr. Ashish Pathak, who played a critical role in managing anesthesia while monitoring IONM signals throughout the procedure. Dr. Chaudhari emphasized the importance of having a specialized neuroanesthetist for successful outcomes in such complex surgeries, ensuring patient safety and precise execution.

The success of this case not only improves the patient's quality of life but also showcases Manipal Hospital’s expertise in handling complex spinal deformities. The hospital remains committed to delivering advanced, life-saving treatments for patients from around the world.

Nidhi Srivastava
Nidhi Srivastava

Nidhi Srivastava is a dietician. She holds a post-graduate degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from MRIIRS. With a profound passion for utilizing nutrition and lifestyle modifications to manage diseases, she is dedicated to advancing the field through rigorous research and fact-checking. Her expertise lies in evidence-based practice, ensuring the highest standards of dietary health and wellness.