Seven children with severe spinal deformities underwent successful surgeries at the Government Spine Institute in Ahmedabad Civil Hospital during the second Indo-American Spine Surgery Camp. The initiative, supported by the Gujarat government’s Health and Family Welfare Department, provided advanced treatment for conditions like kyphoscoliosis, a rare disorder affecting one in 1,000 children globally. Kyphoscoliosis is a serious condition where the spine curves abnormally, often leading to life-threatening risks that require complex corrective surgery.
Doctors at the camp performed highly intricate procedures, lasting four to five hours on average, which involved delicate work around major nerves and blood vessels. Continuous neuro-monitoring during surgery was crucial, as any mistake could result in severe injury or paralysis. An American neuro-monitoring team and anaesthesia specialists assisted to ensure patient safety.
The surgeries, which typically cost between Rs five and 10 lakh in private hospitals, were provided free of charge at the Government Spine Institute. One of the patients, a nine-year-old child, underwent a ‘growing rod surgery’ aimed at straightening the spine while allowing for future growth. The camp is expected to benefit children not only from Gujarat but also from other states, offering families access to treatments that would otherwise be financially or technically unattainable.
The surgical team, led by Dr Piyush Mittal and Dr Prerak Yadav of the Spine Institute, received anaesthesia support from Dr Reema Vansola and Dr Kinjal Anand. Visiting spine surgeons from the United States, including Dr Viral Jain, Dr Harshad Patel, Dr Karen Young, Dr Deval Carol, and Dr Scott Cowan, contributed their expertise to the complex procedures. State Health Minister Praful Panseriya praised the doctors for their humanitarian efforts following the operations.
Dr Mittal highlighted the significance of enhancing Indo-American healthcare collaboration, stating that such partnerships not only enable complex surgeries but also support educational exchange programs for medical students and doctors. The institute is closely monitoring the post-operative rehabilitation of patients to ensure optimal recovery.
