Fortis Bannerghatta Road saves 35-year-old man who suffered a traumatic skull injury caused by a tree branch

Bengaluru, November 10,  2023 :  Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road recently gave a new lease of life to a 35-year-old man who endured a traumatic skull injury after a tree branch fell on his head. A multidisciplinary team of doctors, led by Dr. Rajakumar Deshpande, Director – Department of Neurosurgery, Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road, successfully treated the patient. 

The incident occurred 3 months ago when Praveen (name changed) went for a morning walk to a park. While in the park, he was struck by a heavy tree branch, resulting in a severe head injury leaving him in a critical condition and in immediate need of expert medical attention. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, he was immediately rushed to a nearby city-based hospital who referred him to Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road.  

Upon admission, the patient underwent a brain CT that revealed an accumulation of blood on right side measuring 1.6 cms in thickness, between the membranes covering the brain (the meninges). Additionally, multiple hemorrhagic contusions (brain bruises) were observed. The patient also sustained multiple facial bone fractures affecting the frontal bone (forehead), the bone between the eyes and the cheek bones in addition to swelling of tissue in the cheek region. Considering the critical situation, a multi-disciplinary approach was followed, where a team of skilled neurosurgeons, neuro-intensivists, reconstructive surgeons, ENT specialists and anesthesiologists evaluated the treatment options for best clinical outcomes.  

Elaborating the complex surgical procedure Dr. Rajakumar Deshpande, Director – Department of Neurosurgery, Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road said, “The patient was presented in a critical state with immense loss of blood.  We did an emergency right fronto-temporo-parietal decompressive craniectomy wherein a portion of the skull bone on the right side of the head was removed temporarily allowing the brain to expand and accommodate the increased volume caused by swelling or bleeding, thus alleviating pressure on the brain tissues and to access the area where the blood has been accumulated. The blood clots were then carefully removed relieving pressure on the brain. The complex surgery which took 4 long hours was successfully completed following which the patient was kept under observation in the Neurosurgical Intensive Care Unit (NSICU).” 

“The patient experienced difficulty in breathing during his stay in the NSICU for which he underwent tracheostomy wherein an opening is made in the front of the neck into the windpipe to provide an alternative airway for breathing. After a few days, he even developed fever and tested positive for bacterial infection which was managed by antibiotics. He then gradually improved neurologically and was mobilized with physiotherapy following which he was discharged in a stable condition 28 days post-surgery. After 8 weeks, we did cranioplasty to replace his skull bone flap which was removed temporarily to alleviate pressure on the brain and the patient is doing well,” added Dr. Rajakumar.   

Mr. Akshay Oleti, Business Head, Fortis Hospitals, Bangalore said, “The patient’s recovery is a testament to extraordinary commitment and skill of our medical professionals. Fortis Bannerghatta remains steadfast in its commitment to providing exceptional healthcare services to the community, offering advanced medical solutions and compassionate care to patients in need.” 

Corporate Comm India (CCI Newswire)