PGIMS Rohtak doctors give fresh lease of life to patient by reconstructing rib cage; surgery lasts over 10 hours

Ravinder Saini

Rohtak, January 25

A team of doctors led by Professor SS Lohchab, a cardiothoracic surgeon, at Haryana’s PGIMS Rohtak here has given a new lease of life to a patient by performing a 10-hour long marathon surgery for reconstruction of his entire left-side rib cage using titanium prosthetic ribs.

The patient had sustained severe injuries in a train mishap in Panipat.

“The patient was brought to the PGIMS in a critical condition, with a vertically split chest, completely broken ribs on the left side, and his lung and heart 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 the extensive injuries necessitated the reconstruction of the entire left-side rib cage using titanium prosthetic ribs.

“Initially unconscious and unidentified, the patient is now sharing his name and address. He has emerged from the critical stage, ongoing care is imperative for infection prevention and the expeditious healing of wounds,” said Dr Lohchab.

Meanwhile, Professor Anita Saxena, vice-chancellor, University of Health Sciences, has also extended heartfelt congratulations to the team of doctors stating that their relentless efforts and expertise prevailed in the face of daunting challenges.