Mangaluru: In a remarkable medical feat, Kasturba Medical College (KMC) Hospital in Attavar, Mangaluru successfully handled a highly challenging orthopaedic trauma case involving a severely obese 39-year-old man weighing around 200 kg, with a Body Mass Index (BMI) exceeding 53.
The patient had sustained bilateral fractures of the distal tibia and fibula in a road accident and was referred to KMC Hospital. His condition was complicated by multiple co-morbidities, including severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), chronic hypoxia, and poor lung function, which made even lying flat a significant risk.
Recognising the urgency, a multi-disciplinary team launched a coordinated effort. The patient was first stabilised in the ICU by the anaesthesiology team led by Dr Akshatha, with vital respiratory support from Dr Visak Acharya’s pulmonary medicine unit.
Once stable, orthopaedic surgeons—Dr Atmananda Hegde, Dr Chetan Shetty, and Dr Keerthan Ranga Nayak U—performed a bilateral closed reduction and intramedullary nailing procedure. Anaesthesia was managed by Dr Sumesh T Rao and his team, who skillfully addressed challenges like airway management, difficult venous access, and positioning in the context of morbid obesity.
Non-invasive ventilation was used throughout the operation to support breathing. The procedure was carried out under the leadership of Medical Superintendent Dr Chakrapani and Deputy Superintendent Dr Deepak Madi.
The patient recovered smoothly, was moved out of the ICU by day two, and later discharged in stable condition. Follow-up assessments confirmed steady improvement in his recovery.