Patient from Ghana underwent Cornea Transplantation in India

Hailing from a small village in Ghana, Gladys Appiah, a 34-year-old woman, has long suffered from eye problems. Gladys was caught by measles in her early childhood, and not only did she suffer from it, but also measles caused her to suffer from partial blindness. The situation worsened, and she lost vision in one of her eyes in 2008. Her right eye was disabled, and she was unable to see anything from it. However, her left eye was fine, and she could see properly through one eye. Philip, who was Gladys' elder brother, was very fond of his sister and wanted to alleviate her misery at any cost.

Philip contacted MediGence about six months before the operation to discuss the medical issue. Philip even consulted local doctors, who diagnosed the condition as corneal damage. It was diagnosed that it was due to damage in cornea. Gladys was suffering from visual impairment, and the only way to solve this problem was by corneal transplantation surgery.

Following the diagnosis, Philip consulted MediGence to seek information about the transplantation of the cornea in India. At first, the inquiry was made through the website, and he found that Aakash Healthcare in Delhi NCR was one of the best hospitals for treating corneal damage. Dr. Prashant Chaudhary was the doctor who was in charge of that particular treatment. Philip decided to accompany his sister and fly off to India for her medical treatment under Dr. Prasanth Chaudhary.

Meeting Dr. Prasanth Chaudhary at Aakash Healthcare Hospital in India

Cornea transplantation surgery is one of the most difficult surgeries. Corneas used for transplantation are imported into India from neighbouring countries. Only a handful of foreigners can get the surgery done in India. MediGence suggested several hospitals and eye clinics to Philips for the surgery. However, he finally decided to entrust Aakash Healthcare with his sister's care. Philip was supposed to accompany his sister to India on 1st June. However, to his great misfortune, his visa got cancelled at the last moment due to some complications.

They felt helpless, but the MediGence team was constantly in touch and provided all the necessary help. They addressed all their concerns and queries. Finally, it was Gladys's sister who stepped up to bring Gladys to India for her treatment. They reached India on 24th June 2019. The operation was scheduled for the next day, so Gladys was taken to Aakash Healthcare and was admitted. MediGence also helped Rita by booking a room near the hospital from where she could visit her sister whenever she needed to. Although the change in travel date initially perplexed the travellers, MediGence stepped up and successfully handled all the airport transfers, secured accommodation, and rescheduled the appointment dates on very short notice.

The Surgical Procedure

Before the operation, Dr. Prashant Chaudhary did some routine lab checkups and found that the general health of the patient was all fine, and the surgery could be performed. As he had instructed earlier, Gladys had stopped taking medicines like aspirin. The day before the operation, antibiotic drops were administered to Gladys' eyes to prevent infection. On the day of surgery, Gladys felt nervous, but Rita gave her assurance. Gladys was given local anesthesia, and the doctor very efficiently did the surgery. The operation took around 45 minutes.

Recovery

Gladys was made to wear an eye patch for four days. This patch helps the cornea heal at its own pace. The eye region hurt and felt sore for some days, but eventually she recovered and flew back to Ghana on 5th July with her sister Rita, a very happy lady who had regained her long-lost eyesight. It was indeed a moment of happiness and gratitude for both Gladys and our team.

Upon returning to Ghana, Gladys was encouraged to continue using her eye drops as prescribed and arrange follow-up appointments with her local eye doctor. She meticulously followed all post-operative care instructions, greatly contributing to the overall success of the transplant. Her eyesight gradually improved, enabling her to resume her daily activities with confidence and comfort.

Conclusion

Gladys's journey illustrates how timely medical treatment and professional care can change lives. From her struggle with poor vision to her recovery of sight, her story is a true source of inspiration. The successful outcome not only restored her autonomy but also brought great happiness to her family and friends. MediGence is proud to have been a part of her journey, and we wish her continued good health and a bright, clear future.