A young woman from Bengal suffering from complex tuberculosis received a new lease of life thanks to a groundbreaking surgery performed at Lifeline Hospitals Chennai.
A 21-year-old patient from Bengal who arrived at a city hospital with severe symptoms, including disorientation, neck and back pain, and paralysis in both legs got a new lease of life thanks to prompt diagnosis and initial intervention.
Doctors at Lifeline Hospitals, Chennai quickly diagnosed the patient with leptomeningeal meningitis, a rare condition causing inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Further investigation revealed obstructive hydrocephalus (excess fluid buildup in the brain) and spinal abscesses.
“The initial plan was to do multiple level laminectomy to drain pus. Instead, a multidisciplinary team of neurosurgeons, physicians, and intensivists collaborated to perform D6 to d8 laminectomy at the prominent pus level using infant feeding tube intraoperatively to drain debris and pus at all levels by giving multiple wash with saline. This innovative surgical procedure helped relieve pressure on the spinal cord. Additionally, an external ventricular drain (EVD) was placed to divert excess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the brain,” lead Surgeons, Dr. M. Aqib and Dr. Anirudh Rajkumar explained in a release.
“This innovative surgical procedure helped relieve pressure on the spinal cord. Additionally, an external ventricular drain (EVD) was placed to divert excess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the brain.”
Lead surgeons at Lifeline Hospitals, Chennai, Dr. M. Aqib and Dr. Anirudh Rajkumar
A ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt was placed to drain excess fluid from the brain’s ventricles into the abdomen. This innovative technique utilized a single laparoscopic port strategically placed within the patient’s navel, resulting in a virtually invisible scar. During the laparoscopic procedure, multiple peritoneal nodules were identified, pointing towards abdominal tuberculosis. A biopsy was obtained through the same laparoscopic port, confirming disseminated tuberculosis (severe systemic TB).
Armed with a definitive diagnosis, the team promptly initiated anti-tuberculous treatment. This intervention led to a remarkable recovery within ten days. The patient regained mobility and was discharged with minimal scarring.
The Nutrition department of Lifeline Hospitals implemented a comprehensive nutritional plan for the patient, to ensure she received the necessary nutrients to support her remarkable recovery, a hospital release stated.