Mangaluru: In a remarkable demonstration of coordinated emergency response and advanced paediatric trauma care, KMC Hospital Mangaluru, located at Dr B R Ambedkar Circle, successfully saved the life of an 11-year-old girl from Kasargod who sustained a rare and life-threatening penetrating chest injury.
The incident occurred on January 18, 2026, when the child, referred to as Miss Shrina (name changed), fell onto an iron rod that pierced through and through the right upper chest. The local hospital where she was first taken provided crucial initial stabilisation and promptly referred her for advanced surgical management, a decision that proved vital to her survival.
Swift emergency response and surgery
Upon arrival at KMC Hospital Mangaluru, the child was immediately assessed and stabilised by Dr Arpita, Specialist in Emergency Medicine, along with her emergency care team. Recognising the severity of the injury, the team swiftly transferred the patient to the operation theatre without delay.
A complex emergency thoracotomy was undertaken by Dr Sadashiva Rao, Paediatric Surgeon, with expert anaesthetic support from Dr Sunil and Dr Freeda Praveena Cutinha, Anaesthetists. Given the unusual nature of the injury, the surgical team had to carefully saw off the protruding portions of the iron rod from both sides before attempting its safe removal from the chest cavity.
The procedure was performed with exceptional precision and without intraoperative complications, despite the high risk associated with penetrating chest trauma in children.
Critical care and recovery
Following surgery, the child was shifted to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) for close monitoring. Under the supervision of Dr Swathi Rao, Consultant Paediatric Intensivist, the patient showed steady and encouraging improvement in the postoperative period.
Within a week, Miss Shrina made a full recovery and was discharged in stable condition, bringing immense relief and gratitude to her family.
Reflecting on the case, Dr Sadashiva Rao noted that penetrating chest injuries in children are extremely rare and often fatal if not managed appropriately. He emphasised that objects such as knives or iron rods should never be removed outside a fully equipped operating theatre, as premature removal can lead to catastrophic bleeding or organ damage.
“This surgery was unique because it required cutting the protruding portions of the rod on both sides before safely extracting it. Such cases highlight the importance of trained multidisciplinary teams and immediate access to advanced surgical facilities,” he said.
Commitment to paediatric trauma excellence
Commenting on the successful outcome, Mr Pramod Kunder, Cluster Director, KMC Hospital, stated that the case underscores the hospital’s strong commitment to advanced paediatric trauma care, rapid emergency response, and multidisciplinary clinical excellence.
KMC Hospital Mangaluru is part of Manipal Hospitals, one of India’s leading healthcare providers. The network serves over 80 lakh patients annually, with 49 hospitals across 24 cities, supported by 12,600 licensed beds, 11,000+ doctors, and a workforce of more than 34,000 employees. The group is widely recognised for its NABH, NABL, ER, and Blood Bank accreditations, as well as adherence to global standards of patient safety and quality care.
The successful management of this rare and critical case once again reinforces KMC Hospital Mangaluru’s role as a regional referral centre for complex paediatric emergencies and trauma care.