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Hospi News
KDAH Performs Nerve Rewiring Surgery for Patients with Loss of Bladder Control
The procedure rewires nerves arising from the spinal cord
in the hope of giving bladder control to people with spina bifida
A team of surgeons at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital (KDAH) will be the
fist in India to apply a technique devised by Chinese surgeon, Dr Chuan-Guo
Xiao—for patients who are suffering from loss of urine and stool control
as a result of spinal cord problems. The procedure rewires nerves arising from
the spinal cord in the hope of giving bladder control to people with spinal
cord injury or spina bifida, who otherwise depend on self-catheterisation to
urinate.
Dr Amrish Vaidya, Project Coordinator, Paediatric Surgeon, Dr Ketan Parikh,
Paediatric Surgeon, Dr Abhaya Kumar, Neurosurgeon and Dr Poornima Shah, Neurophysiologist
at KDAH will assist Dr Xiao in performing the country's first 'nerve rewiring';
and have nine other eager patients waiting to gain bladder control through this
revolutionary surgery.
It is estimated that three to seven babies per 1,000 live
births, in Mumbai alone may be born with spina bifida according to a study published
by Fetal Care Research Foundation, 2007. This leads to functional lapses in
the organs affected by these nerves. These can include weakness or paralysis
of the lower limbs, and more commonly, a loss of control over urine and stool
passage. Additional problems range from orthopaedic defects to compromise in
mental function.
Urinary and stool incontinence is one of the more debilitating
problems that these children have to face. It may result in repeated urine infections
and the possibility of kidney failure. There are social consequences as well
—wet and soiled underclothes through the day, with frequent interruptions
in school schedules, and difficulty in forging friendships with other children.
School admission is sometimes an issue, as well as exclusion from common activities
by less understanding classmates and caregivers.
Deepak Shah, father of a 13-year-old boy (Vinit), said, "We have gone through
12 different surgeries since he was born, we're very thrilled about the results
shown in other patients across the world. As you can imagine, he's (Vinit) is
very excited at the prospect of gaining greater independence and regaining control
of his life," he added.
Once the operation is done, new nerve connections can take up to two years to
become functional. After this, many patients can initiate urine flow by scratching
themselves vigorously on the thighs! Many report better stool control. Even
if full urine control is not achieved, the bladder may change so that it is
not as damaging to the kidneys. Dr Xiao reports over 80 per cent success rate
in achieving continence.
"The surgery performed at KDAH is an example of our commitment to clinical
care that is life changing for our patients," said Dr Vaidya, who convinced
Dr Xiao to fly down from China to teach this life-changing procedure. "With
the surgery now available at our hospital many patients can avoid travel to
China and other countries," he added.
EH News Bureau
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