82-Year-Old Diabetic Saves Right Foot with Microsurgery in Tiruchi Hospital

Rapid Summary

• Surgeons at Kauvery hospital performed a complex surgical procedure called microvascular free flap to prevent the amputation of an 82-year-old man’s diabetic foot.
• The patient had blood flow in only one of the three major vessels of his foot, and he suffered from coronary artery disease and chronic kidney disease, making surgical intervention highly challenging.
• Led by Dr. S. Skanda, head of Plastic Surgery Department, the team utilized a neurotized flap technique to restore sensation in the foot by reconnecting tissue, blood supply, and nerves.
• Post-surgery, the patient regained sensation in his foot and was able to bear weight fully and return to daily activities within one-and-a-half months.

Indian Opinion analysis

The application of advanced medical techniques such as microvascular free flap surgery demonstrates India’s growing capabilities in specialized healthcare. Successfully restoring sensation and functionality despite severe underlying health conditions reflects remarkable progress in both surgical technology and expertise. Such innovations could play an essential role as India faces rising incidences of diabetes-related complications among its aging population.

Though, this case also underscores deeper systemic considerations. Accessibility to cutting-edge procedures like neurotized flaps might potentially be limited by factors such as cost or geographic disparities between urban centers (like Chennai) and rural areas where advanced care is sparse. Strengthening primary healthcare infrastructure that focuses on managing diabetes early could reduce reliance on complex interventions later.

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