Doctors at KLE Society Prabhakar Kore Hospital successfully treated a financially disadvantaged woman suffering from Chiari malformation, a rare congenital condition. The 38-year-old patient from Nippani experienced severe neck pain, limb weakness, and difficulty swallowing food and liquids before being diagnosed with the condition.
Upon her arrival at the hospital seeking medical care, a brain and spine scan indicated that she had Chiari malformation. This condition involves abnormalities in the craniovertebral junction and soft tissues, impacting the brainstem, neck, and spine, and resulting in neurological damage.
Typically occurring in adults, Chiari malformation can lead to serious complications if not detected early and corrected surgically.
The surgery lasted approximately six hours. Within 8 hours post-operation, the patient began eating and walking without assistance. She was discharged from the hospital after just four days.
The medical team, led by consultant neurosurgeon Abhishek Patil, included neuro-anaesthesia specialists Narendra Patil and Tina Desai. Post-operative neuro-physiotherapy was overseen by Gayatri Gurav and Afnan.
“Complex Chiari involves a rare condition affecting the sensitive craniovertebral junction, which includes the brainstem, upper spinal cord, and vertebral arteries. Surgical management requires meticulous planning and expertise,” stated Dr. Patil.
Society chairman Prabhakar Kore and the hospital’s board of directors, including medical director Colonel M. Dayananda, praised the team’s efforts.
