In a highly delicate and life-changing surgery, doctors at Wockhardt Super Speciality Hospital, Nagpur, successfully treated a 7-year-old boy suffering from a rare spinal tumour—helping him walk again while completely preserving his bladder and bowel functions.
For nearly six months, the child had been experiencing pain in both legs while walking and had also lost control over urination. Concerned by the worsening symptoms, his family sought medical help. An MRI scan revealed a large tumour inside the spinal canal, extending from the lower back to the sacral region. The tumour was pressing on critical nerves called the cauda equina, which control leg movement and bladder and bowel function.
The case was operated by Dr. Kartik Multani, Consultant Brain and Spine Surgeon (Neurosurgeon) at Wockhardt Hospitals, Nagpur.
Explaining the complexity of the case, Dr. Kartik Multani said that even a small injury to the nerves could have resulted in permanent paralysis or lifelong bladder and bowel problems for the child.
To ensure maximum safety, the surgical team used advanced intraoperative nerve monitoring, a technology that continuously checks nerve function during surgery. This helped the surgeons identify and protect vital nerves in real time.
During the operation, one nerve responsible for bowel control was found to be extremely thin and flattened against the tumour, making it almost invisible. With the help of nerve monitoring and stimulation, the team was able to carefully locate and preserve this nerve, significantly reducing the risk of complications.
Another major concern was preventing future spinal deformity, which can occur in growing children if spinal bones are removed. To address this, the team performed a laminoplasty, a technique where the spinal bone is carefully opened to access the tumour and then placed back in its original position, helping maintain spinal stability.
The tumour was completely removed. The child began walking the very next day after surgery and showed no weakness or bladder and bowel problems post-operatively.
The surgery was carried out by a multidisciplinary team led by Dr. Kartik Multani, along with Sukeshini Borkar, Akansha Rahangdale, Mrunal Shende, and Sanjay Moon. The anaesthesia was managed by Dr. Avantika Jaiswal, who played a crucial role in maintaining stable anaesthesia during the nearly six-hour-long procedure, which was essential for successful nerve monitoring.
This successful surgery highlights the importance of advanced technology, careful planning, and teamwork in treating complex spinal conditions in children at Wockhardt Hospitals, Nagpur.
👉 Click here to read the latest Gujarat news on TheLiveAhmedabad.com