gangrene cure
New surgical cure for gangrene
MUMBAI, Sept 10/2001:
Gangrene, which usually results in amputation, can be cured by replacing the infected arteries, claims a Mumbai-based doctor.
Using the ‘revascularisation operation,’ a technique pioneered by her 12 years ago, Dr Tejinder Kaur Sahi has salvaged many gangrene-affected limbs.
Peripheral vascular disease or gangrene, occurs when blood supply to the limbs is blocked and muscles and other tissues suffer from lack of oxygen.
Dr Sahi told UNI that she has devised three new techniques for treatment and management of limb disorders.
An honorary surgeon at the J J Hospital in Mumbai, she says she creates a new route for blood supply in the affected limbs by using blood vessels from the abdomen.
"When a limb is struck with vascular disease, it can be saved by ‘revascularisation of omental transfer’. Later, if the second foot also develops an infection, the same procedure can be repeated.
"In cases where both legs are infected at the same time, the ‘new operation of bilateral simultaneous revascularisation of both limbs’ technique is used," she explains.
One of her first patients, railway employee Suresh Shastri, lost one of his legs to gangrene when he was 26. Two years later, his other foot got infected and Shastri developed suicidal tendencies after all treatment failed.
On examination, Dr Sahi found that there was no blood flow from the thigh to the toes. She performed the revascularisation operation, replacing the arteries of the leg with those from the abdomen. Twelve years down the line, Shastri says he feels fit.
He travels by train, goes to work and does his chores effortlessly. "Even if I am hurt in the leg, it heals fast," he adds.
Octogenarian Mohan Bhatia underwent a similar surgery eight years ago. A diabetic with cardiac problems, he developed gangrene from the knee down. He was operated upon by Dr Sahi, and his infection has completely healed.
Dr Sahi says he has got a good response from the medical community, with surgeons who are aware of her treatment recommending patients to her. "They are supportive and appreciative," she adds.
Awareness of certain symptoms can help in early detection of gangrene. Discoloration of toes, a wound that refuses to heal and ulcers on the leg are indicators of such infection.
Earlier, doctors prescribed painkillers, alcohol and sedatives to provide relief from the pain. Finally, the infected limb was amputated for permanent relief.
"An awareness of symptoms will ensure that people seek help in the early stages of the disease. This definitely makes a difference in the end result and the extent of tissue loss and duration of post-surgery treatment and management," Dr Sahi adds.
If caught early, gangrene can be cured even without surgery, she says.
Dr Sahi, who has designed her own instruments for treatment, says that since the technique does not involve handling of diseased and blocked arteries, the chances of embolisation and myocardial infarction do not arise.
Dr Sahi was awarded the best research paper at the world congress 2000 of the International College of Surgeons at Suntec City, Singapore for her innovative technique and also felicitated in the country and abroad for her contribution.
"My mission is to prevent amputation of limbs. I believe in putting my soul in other people’s soles," she quips. (UNI)
MUMBAI, Sept 10/2001:
Gangrene, which usually results in amputation, can be cured by replacing the infected arteries, claims a Mumbai-based doctor.
Using the ‘revascularisation operation,’ a technique pioneered by her 12 years ago, Dr Tejinder Kaur Sahi has salvaged many gangrene-affected limbs.
Peripheral vascular disease or gangrene, occurs when blood supply to the limbs is blocked and muscles and other tissues suffer from lack of oxygen.
Dr Sahi told UNI that she has devised three new techniques for treatment and management of limb disorders.
An honorary surgeon at the J J Hospital in Mumbai, she says she creates a new route for blood supply in the affected limbs by using blood vessels from the abdomen.
"When a limb is struck with vascular disease, it can be saved by ‘revascularisation of omental transfer’. Later, if the second foot also develops an infection, the same procedure can be repeated.
"In cases where both legs are infected at the same time, the ‘new operation of bilateral simultaneous revascularisation of both limbs’ technique is used," she explains.
One of her first patients, railway employee Suresh Shastri, lost one of his legs to gangrene when he was 26. Two years later, his other foot got infected and Shastri developed suicidal tendencies after all treatment failed.
On examination, Dr Sahi found that there was no blood flow from the thigh to the toes. She performed the revascularisation operation, replacing the arteries of the leg with those from the abdomen. Twelve years down the line, Shastri says he feels fit.
He travels by train, goes to work and does his chores effortlessly. "Even if I am hurt in the leg, it heals fast," he adds.
Octogenarian Mohan Bhatia underwent a similar surgery eight years ago. A diabetic with cardiac problems, he developed gangrene from the knee down. He was operated upon by Dr Sahi, and his infection has completely healed.
Dr Sahi says he has got a good response from the medical community, with surgeons who are aware of her treatment recommending patients to her. "They are supportive and appreciative," she adds.
Awareness of certain symptoms can help in early detection of gangrene. Discoloration of toes, a wound that refuses to heal and ulcers on the leg are indicators of such infection.
Earlier, doctors prescribed painkillers, alcohol and sedatives to provide relief from the pain. Finally, the infected limb was amputated for permanent relief.
"An awareness of symptoms will ensure that people seek help in the early stages of the disease. This definitely makes a difference in the end result and the extent of tissue loss and duration of post-surgery treatment and management," Dr Sahi adds.
If caught early, gangrene can be cured even without surgery, she says.
Dr Sahi, who has designed her own instruments for treatment, says that since the technique does not involve handling of diseased and blocked arteries, the chances of embolisation and myocardial infarction do not arise.
Dr Sahi was awarded the best research paper at the world congress 2000 of the International College of Surgeons at Suntec City, Singapore for her innovative technique and also felicitated in the country and abroad for her contribution.
"My mission is to prevent amputation of limbs. I believe in putting my soul in other people’s soles," she quips. (UNI)
Comments
Can I get the contact details of Dr. Tejinder Kaur Sahi, need treatment for Gangrene.
My email is ssk1293@gmail.com