Aware Global Hospitals at L B Nagar in Hyderabad has performed a rare, complex and unique reconstructive microsurgery on the crushed right forearm of a factory worker.
According to hospital sources, a 54 year old man named Vishwanath had a terrible accident and suffered amputation of the right upper arm at the elbow joint along with a bone fracture of the forearm when he sustained a severe injury while working in the factory.
A team of doctors led by Dr N Jithendran, consultant plastic and reconstructive surgeon, at Global Hospitals carried out the Complex Reconstructive Microsurgery (CRM) to rebuild the amputated arm. The 6-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.
The patient was intubated (inserted a tube) and proximal (a point of attachment) part was explored and dissected to identify the main vessels. Then debridement of the dead tissues was done – meaning cutting away at any area that was damaged to the point of being dead. The nerves were then repaired end to end under operating microscope. Muscles and skin were then repaired. After suture removal patient underwent plating of the fracture ulna (a corresponding bone in the forelimb) in the forearm with bone grafting.
While explaining about the surgery, Dr N Jithendran, said, “To take something that is literally dead, and all of a sudden, to see life in it again is extremely gratifying. Life had been restored to the hand that earlier in the day was dead. The operation was at last a success — and the patient a very lucky man.”
Elaborating on the patient’s condition, Dr Jithendran further adds, “Currently the replanted part is healthy. There is no infection or discharge. And, patient is doing well. Union of the parts 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.”
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Vijay Vemuri, chief operating officer, Aware Global Hospitals, said, “Our surgeons performed the most complex reconstructive microsurgery and successfully saved the limb of this man. This success reflects the amazing ability of their surgical expertise and their multi-disciplinary teamwork.”