Successful Spine Surgeries for Children at Ahmedabad Camp

Successful Surgeries at the Indo-American Spine Surgery Camp

Ahmedabad, Feb 25: Seven children suffering from severe spinal deformities successfully underwent surgeries at the Government Spine Institute located in Ahmedabad Civil Hospital during the second Indo-American Spine Surgery Camp.

This initiative, supported by the Health and Family Welfare Department of the Gujarat government, provided advanced treatment for conditions like kyphoscoliosis, a rare disorder that affects approximately one in every 1,000 children worldwide.

Kyphoscoliosis is a serious condition characterized by abnormal spinal curvature, which can pose life-threatening risks and often necessitates complex corrective surgery.

Medical professionals at the camp described the surgical procedures as highly complex, typically lasting between four to five hours, requiring meticulous work around major nerves and blood vessels.

Continuous neuro-monitoring was essential during the surgeries, as any mistake could lead to severe injury or paralysis. An American neuro-monitoring team, along with anaesthesia specialists, played a crucial role in ensuring patient safety.

In private hospitals, such surgeries can cost between Rs five and ten lakh, but all procedures at the Government Spine Institute were provided at no cost to the patients.

Among the young patients was a nine-year-old who underwent a 'growing rod surgery', aimed at straightening the spine while allowing for future growth.

This camp is anticipated to benefit children not only from Gujarat but also from other states, offering families access to treatments that would otherwise be financially or technically inaccessible.

The surgeries were conducted by Dr. Piyush Mittal and Dr. Prerak Yadav from the Spine Institute, with anaesthesia support from Dr. Reema Vansola and Dr. Kinjal Anand.

Visiting spine surgeons from the United States, including Dr. Viral Jain, Dr. Harshad Patel, Dr. Karen Young, Dr. Deval Carol, and Dr. Scott Cowan, lent their expertise to these intricate procedures.

After the surgeries, State Health Minister Praful Panseriya praised the doctors for their humanitarian efforts.

Dr. Mittal highlighted the significance of enhancing Indo-American collaboration in healthcare, stating that "such partnerships not only facilitate complex surgeries but also foster educational exchange programs for medical students and professionals."

The institute is actively monitoring the post-operative rehabilitation of patients to ensure their optimal recovery.