Patient from Mauritius Underwent Bilateral Pleurectomy and Bullectomy Surgery in India

Introduction

Taj Aundoo, a 16-year-old boy from Mauritius, was diagnosed with spontaneous pneumothorax of the right lung. Pneumothorax is a medical condition resulting in a collapsed lung due to the presence of air between the lungs and the chest wall. A drainage procedure was conducted to reduce the air pressure at the local clinic.

However, Taj revisited the local hospital after 12 days with a complaint of right-sided chest pain. The reports of the fresh CT scan showed bilateral bullous lung disease along with residual pneumothorax on the right side and Taj was advised for bilateral removal of the bullae. Since the bilateral bullae resection procedure wasn’t available in Mauritius, Taj was advised to travel abroad for his medical treatment overseas.

The patient’s father, Mr. Sunny Aundoo contacted the insurance agency regarding options abroad for treatment. MediGence, being the official partner of the insurance agency, was referred to Mr. Sunny Aundoo to help them find the right doctor and hospital, and assist them throughout's his treatment abroad.

Upon receiving the details related to Taj’s medical condition from the insurance, the team started to discuss treatment possibilities with specialist thoracic surgeons in India across different hospitals. Thereafter, a comprehensive treatment plan detailing the treatment required and the risks involved in the surgery was shared with the insurance company for a discussion with Taj’s family. After reviewing the treatment plan and clearing all their doubts, Taj’s family chose Dr. Narender Aggarwal, Consultant Thoracic Surgeon at Fortis Memorial Research Institute (Gurugram, India) for his surgery.

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Pre-Treatment

An extensive discussion with Dr. Aggarwal at FMRI was held by team MediGence concerning Taj’s transfer and treatment.

It was a major challenge for the doctors in Mauritius to plan Taj’s transfer to India because of the possible risk of bullae rupture resulting in tension pneumothorax. So, they advised Taj to undergo a bilateral chest tube drain before transferring him to prevent any complications due to air pressure during the flight.

Dr. Aggarwal, however, was very positive that Taj can be transferred and managed in India after thoroughly discussing all the risks involved in the surgery with his parents. He advised him to travel with the chest drain on the side of the pneumothorax.

This was confirmed when Taj was evaluated by a team of medics in the process of making the reservation with the airlines. The airline was also informed about the oxygen support he may require during the travel.

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Process

Taj arrived in India on the 21st of September 2019 accompanied by his father, mother, and the local physician who was taking care of him clinically. He was admitted to the hospital straight upon his arrival for immediate specialized care. The consultation with Dr. Aggarwal took place the next day to discuss the fresh CT scan done upon his arrival.

During the consultation meeting, Dr. Aggarwal discussed the different approaches to do the surgery with Taj’s parents. He confirmed that surgery needs to be done on both lungs, however, it can be done in a staged manner one after the other at a time gap or can be done altogether. The risks and benefits of both the approaches were thoroughly discussed with the family before it was decided that they would go with the surgery on both lungs together. This would have led to a recovery in a single go as advised by the doctor. Considering it would have just involved a one-time surgery, fewer expenses, less pain and no requirement for a second admission, a decision was taken to perform the procedure in a single go.

Taj’s Prothrombin time/INR (blood coagulation time) was found to be considerably high during pre-investigations. This is why he was put on potassium infusion to improve it before the surgery and prevent the risk of excessive bleeding.

Bilateral bullectomy and pleurodesis surgery were conducted successfully on September 25th, 2019. Post-surgery, Taj was kept in the ICU for about 5 days under close medical supervision, followed by a hospital stay for another 7 days.

Upon receiving a heads-up from the doctor, Taj was discharged from the hospital on October 03, 2019.

Post-treatment

Taj is doing fine and his stitches have been removed. He is currently on medical follow-ups to ensure a progressive and speedy recovery.

The Aundoo Family was satisfied with the overall treatment and hospital facility. They also appreciated and thanked team MediGence for managing Taj’s treatment smoothly right from the moment of receiving the case inquiry, finding the right doctor and treatment facility, to initiating all the discussions with the doctors.

The Aundoo Family plans to fly back on the 20th of October 2019.

MediGence wishes Taj and his family a happy and healthy future ahead!

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