Mangaluru, July 7, 2025: In a remarkable display of clinical expertise and seamless teamwork, Kasturba Medical College Hospital (KMC), Attavar, successfully performed a high-risk orthopaedic surgery on a 200 kg trauma patient, overcoming serious medical challenges linked to morbid obesity and multiple comorbidities.
A case of extreme complexity
The 39-year-old male patient, with a BMI of over 53, suffered bilateral distal tibia and fibula fractures in a road accident. Apart from the fractures, he also had severe obstructive sleep apnea, chronic hypoxia, and poor pulmonary function, making even basic medical procedures such as lying supine a serious risk.
Recognising the urgency and complexity, KMC Hospital mobilised a multidisciplinary team, initiating intensive care stabilisation under Dr. Akshatha from the Department of Anaesthesiology, and with pulmonary care led by Dr. Visak Acharya.
Surgery powered by synchronised care
Once stabilised, the patient underwent bilateral closed reduction and intramedullary nailing of the tibia. The orthopaedic team, led by Dr. Atmananda Hegde, with Dr. Chetan Shetty and Dr. Keerthan Ranga Nayak U, performed the surgery.
Anaesthesia, a major challenge in obese patients, was meticulously handled by Dr. Sumesh T Rao and his team, who navigated difficult airway management, venous access, and neuroaxial anaesthesia, using non-invasive ventilation throughout.
Hospital leadership, including Medical Superintendent Dr. Chakrapani and Deputy Medical Superintendent Dr. Deepak Madi, played a key role in administrative coordination and resource management.
Smooth recovery and positive outcome
The surgery was uneventful, and the patient made steady progress post-operatively. He was shifted to the ward on the second day and discharged later in a stable condition. During his follow-up visits, the patient showed signs of excellent recovery.
A benchmark in high-risk care
This case underscores KMC Attavar’s status as a centre of excellence in managing technically challenging and high-risk medical situations. The hospital’s collaborative care model and commitment to precision medicine enabled them to overcome what could have been a life-threatening scenario.