A remarkable milestone was achieved at the 1020-bedded Shalinitai Meghe Hospital & Research Centre (SMHRC), Wanadongri, Nagpur, when a 1.5-year-old male child from Bada Tajbagh, Nagpur, with a huge swelling over his lower back and hydrocephalus, underwent a complex combined brain and spinal surgery in a single sitting.
The child was admitted under the Department of Pediatrics after presenting with a massive lower back swelling that made it impossible for him to lie on his back. Under the guidance of Dr. Paresh Korde, Senior Neurosurgeon, thorough evaluation revealed a large sacral meningomyelocele associated with hydrocephalus secondary to Arnold Chiari malformation.
After detailed counseling, the parents consented to a single-stage surgical correction for both brain and spinal abnormalities. The treating team explained possible risks, including surgical site infection (due to proximity to the anal region), cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, meningitis, and potential neurological deficits such as bladder and bowel incontinence or lower limb weakness.
Dr. Paresh Korde, Senior Neurosurgeon assisted by Dr. Prince Verma, Associate Neurosurgeon, skillfully removed the large meningomyelocele while preserving all neural structures and minimizing blood loss. The patient recovered uneventfully, without any major complications, and is now progressing well toward a normal, healthy life.
The Neuro-Anaesthesia team, led by Dr. Prachi Korde, ensured smooth intraoperative management with meticulous precision—first in the supine position for brain surgery, and later in the prone position for spinal repair. Exceptional coordination and care were provided by the Pediatric Department led by Dr. C. Bokade, HOD, and Dr. Harsha, Pediatrician, along with the Department of Anesthesiology led by HOD Dr. Anjali Modak and Director Anesthesiology Dr. Pratibha Deshmukh. The Pediatric and OT Nursing teams played a crucial role in expert preoperative, perioperative, and postoperative management.
Dr. Korde emphasized that neural tube defects like meningomyelocele occur due to incomplete neural tube closure during fetal development. He added that increasing awareness and improved antenatal care have significantly reduced such cases in recent years. He extended thanks to Dr. Vasant Gawande-CMS, and Dr. Rajiv Sonarkar, HOD, Department of Surgery, along with the entire hospital team, for their constant support and cooperation.
Dr.Vasant Gawande, Chief Medical Superintendent-SMHRC stated that the child’s parents expressed heartfelt gratitude to the treating team and hospital management for the successful surgery and compassionate care that gave their child a new lease on life. He further emphasized that the high-end, intricate surgery was performed free of cost under the Mahatma Jyotirao Phule Jan Arogya Yojna (MJPJAY).
Dr. Anup Marar, Director, Nagpur Off Campus, DMIHER (DU), congratulated SMHRC team, stating, “This successful case reflects SMHRC’s multidisciplinary strength, advanced infrastructure, and commitment to delivering tertiary-level care for even the most challenging pediatric neurosurgical conditions. Such outcomes reaffirm our vision of bringing world-class expertise and compassionate care to every under privileged patient.”
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