PGIMS doctors reconstruct rib cage of patient in 10-hour marathon surgery

Ravinder Saini

Rohtak, January 27

A team of doctors led by Prof SS Lohchab, a cardiothoracic surgeon, at the PGIMS here has given a new lease of life to an unknown patient by performing a 10-hour marathon surgery to reconstruct his entire left-side rib cage using titanium prosthetic ribs. The patient got seriously injured in a train mishap in Panipat.

“The patient was brought to the PGIMS in a critical condition with a vertically split chest and completely broken ribs on the left side. His lung and heart were partially protruding through a sizable gap. The trauma extended to degloving of the skin over the chest and abdomen coupled with a hematoma in the brain,” said Dr Lohchab, who is also the director of the PGIMS.

He maintained that extensive injuries necessitated reconstruction of the entire left-side rib cage using titanium prosthetic ribs. “Initially unconscious and unidentified, the patient is now able to tell his name and other things about him. He has emerged from the critical stage. The ongoing care is imperative for the prevention of the infection and expeditious healing of wounds,” said Dr Lohchab.

Prof Anita Saxena, Vice Chancellor, Pt Bhagwat Dayal Sharma University of Health Sciences, Rohtak, congratulated the doctors’ team for performing a successful surgery. She said their relentless efforts and expertise prevailed in the face of daunting challenges.

“This triumphant story is a testament to the unwavering commitment of medical professionals at the PGIMS, Rohtak, in safeguarding lives against all odds,” she said.

Injured in train mishap

The patient got seriously injured in a train mishap in Panipat. He was brought at the hospital with a vertically split chest, completely broken ribs and heart partially protruding.