Media Room

Woman undergoes complex spine surgery at KIMSHEALTH, regains ability to walk

Thiruvananthapuram, September 21, 2024: A medical team at KIMSHEALTH Trivandrum successfully corrected a severe spinal deformity in a 52-year-old woman.

The patient, a native of Kottarakkara, had been wheelchair-bound for an extended period due to upper thoracic kyphoscoliosis, a rare condition characterized by abnormal inward and lateral curvature of the spine, which led to paralysis of both legs.

Despite noticing symptoms earlier, the patient initially hesitated to undergo surgery due to concerns about potential risks. Her condition was further complicated by neurofibromatosis, a genetic disorder that causes tumors to grow from nerves and skin. As the spine's curvature worsened, resulting in paralysis and loss of control of bladder and bowel, she was referred to Dr. Ranjith Unnikrishnan, Consultant Orthopaedic Spine Surgeon at KIMSHEALTH.

The medical team evaluated the patient and recommended Posterior Vertebral Column Resection (PVCR) surgery, along with correction of the spinal curvatures. This procedure involves removing the compression on her spinal cord, straightening the curvatures, and reconstructing the spinal column with titanium rods and cages. Given the patient's bone health, potential anesthesia risks, and other factors that could increase the risk of complications, PVCR was deemed the most suitable surgical approach.

After the 14 hours long surgery, the patient began walking within 10 days. Dr. Ranjith Unnikrishnan emphasized the importance of seeking specialist treatment as soon as spinal deformities are detected, as the risks associated with surgery increase over time. Dr. Jacob John Theophilus, Senior Consultant, Department of Anesthesia, along with Dr. Ashwin C Nair, Dr. Anoop Shivakumar, Dr. Pradeep Moni V B, and Dr. Jerry John, Orthopaedic Surgeons, were also part of the surgical team.