TURA, SEPT 1: A 60-year-old lady from Rongram in West Garo hills successfully underwent a total hip replacement surgery at Tura Civil Hospital. This is a first of its kind surgery to have been done at the hospital.
Total hip replacement is a procedure in which the hipbone and the hip socket from the pelvic bone are entirely removed and replaced with an artificial hip bone and socket.
“It is a complicated surgery. The patient had a pathological fracture of the hipbone. The procedure was performed with replacement of polyethylene cup and artificial socket, neck and head, known as cemented total hip replacement”, said orthopedic surgeon Adrian R. Marak, who conducted the surgery along with orthopedic surgeon Chester R Marak and medical officer Suzarine R Marak and Moloy Hajong.
He told this website that the total hip replacement surgery was performed at the hospital for the first time. He also informed that this could be the first surgery performed in any state government hospital across Meghalaya for total hip replacement.
The patient injured herself after she fell down.
“It is a costly procedure. However, the patient had to shellout about Rs. 65,000/- for medicine and other aid, which were required for the surgery”, Adrian added. He informed that the patient had a fracture, which is termed as “problem fracture” and never unites. “Surgery and replacement was the only option”, said Adrian.
On August 25 the surgery was performed. It took about 3 hours.
“The patient is recovering and is able to walk now. She has pain, which will subside with time. We will recommend her physiotherapy, which is available at our hospital”, he informed.
Both the surgeons have expressed happiness over the result.
Superintendent of Tura Civil Hospital Meena A. Sangma congratulated the surgeons and their team for the feat. She urged the people of Garo hills to avail treatment for orthopaedic related disorders from the department, which has been doing many complicated surgeries like leg lengthening, deformity correction, spine surgeries, interlocking nailing for lone bone fractures, etc.
The surgery can cost about Rs. 4-5 lakh in a private hospital. “The surgery is free-of-cost. The other expenses incurred will be taken care of by MHIS-II cover”, Meena said. The patient had registered herself with Megha Health Insurance Scheme – II, a government sponsored insurance cover.
The patient, a vegetable vendor said, “I feel alright now. I had fallen down and suffered terrible pain. My relatives brought me to the hospital. The doctors recommended a surgery.”- From Our Correspondent
Thumbs up Docs….Great job.