Yemeni farmer regains mobility after complex Tibial Nerve reconstruction surgery in India

Sagaya Fernando 

Mumbai, 21 January 2025

 

A 26-year-old Yemeni farmer who suffered a severe gunshot wound to the knee has been given a second chance at mobility, thanks to an advanced and complex nerve reconstruction surgery performed by Dr. Abhishek Ghosh at Poona Hospital and Research Centre in Pune, India.

 

Previously facing the possibility of amputation after multiple unsuccessful surgeries, the patient’s journey took a hopeful turn with this ground-breaking procedure.

 

Naseem Al Dubaili sustained the injury amid Yemen’s on-going civil war, which led to extensive damage to the tibial nerve -- an essential component responsible for movement and sensation in the lower leg and foot.

 

Many medical experts recommended amputation as the only solution, but his perseverance led him to seek treatment from Dr. Ghosh, a microvascular surgeon specializing in nerve reconstruction at Poona Hospital.

 

The surgery carried out on January 15, required a delicate approach, and lasted six hours. The medical team performed a nerve graft, taking a healthy nerve from the patient’s opposite leg to bridge the damaged tibial nerve. This method enables regeneration and the potential restoration of function over time.

 

“The procedure demanded not only technical precision but also careful planning to ensure the best possible outcome as the foot had compromised vascularity and there was extensive scarring all over the leg,” said Dr. Ghosh, who  meticulously dissected the nerve ends from the surrounding scarred tissue . He then connected the nerve ends, ensuring proper alignment to facilitate optimal growth and functionality.

 

Dr. Ghosh added, “Nerve regeneration is a slow process, with growth occurring at an approximate rate of one inch per month. For the patient, this means a long journey of rehabilitation and recovery, during which the regenerated nerve will gradually restore sensation and motor function to the leg. Full recovery will take time, but we are confident that Naseem will walk again. While the road ahead is challenging, the surgery marks a pivotal step toward preserving the patient’s limb and improving his quality of life.”

 

“This procedure has not only restored my mobility but also my hope. With rehabilitation, I aim to return home to support my family. The surgery by Dr. Ghosh has healed my injury and revived my faith in humanity and a brighter future,” expressed Naseem.

 

Dr. Ghosh’s successful intervention highlights the advancements in nerve reconstruction surgery and its potential to transform lives even in the most complex cases. The procedure underscores the importance of exploring all available options before resorting to amputation, offering hope to patients facing similar conditions.

 

Naseem’s story is one of resilience, hope, and the power of medical innovation. Thanks to the expertise of Dr. Abhishek Ghosh, he has been given a chance to regain his independence and mobility, defying the odds stacked against him. As the nerve gradually regenerates, this case serves as a beacon of inspiration, proving that even in the face of devastating injuries, there is hope for recovery and restoration.




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