MAJOR LIFE SAVING LUNG SURGERY FOR MASSIVE LUNG BLEEDING

COMBINATION OF SKILLS, HIGH TECHNOLOGY AND PUNJABI DESI GHEE HELPS IN SAVING A LIFE Ludhiana, November 3, 2018: Mr Gurjit Singh (name changed) – a 30 year old autorickshaw driver from Shimlapuri, Ludhiana – was in a difficult position. He suffered from severe fungal infection in his right lung. He would get episodes of massive bleeding. He was seen in a number of Institutes and referred to Dr Harinder Singh Bedi – Chairman Cardio Vascular Endovascular & Thoracic Sciences at Deep Hospital Ludhiana . On examining him and his CT scans Dr Bedi realized that the fungus (called an aspergilloma) had made a house for itself in Mr Gurjit’s right lung. Dr Bedi explained that the fungus is a deadly parasite and starts eating up the host’s tissues. It had eroded major blood vessels which would start bleeding. The bleeding can be fatal at any time. Mr Gurjit Singh was admitted in the Deep Hospital. A major surgery – right upper lobectomy – was planned . Anesthesia for the delicate surgery was given by Dr Abhinav Sharma who inserted a special tube called a double lumen tube so that the right lung could be isolated during the surgery . Massive adhesions were encountered during the surgery. It was by a careful dissection that the diseased lobe was isolated and removed. Later on cutting the lobe the Dr Bedi was shocked to see that a very major vessel had been involved which could have caused a catastrophe at any time . It was indeed a very timey surgery. The very difficult postoperative care was given in a very high tech ICU under Intensivist Dr Kanwalpreet Sodhi . All life support machines were slowly weaned off. Mr Gurjit still needed a high level of nutrition. Dr Bedi’s mother sent home-made pure desi ghee for Mr Gurjit and this contributed to his full recovery. Dr Bedi explained that desi ghee is one of the best sources for high calorie which is required by patients after major surgery. He recommended that it should be given for a short time pre and post lung surgery to build up the body’s stores . It is also a great immunity booster. Dr Baldeep Singh – MD of Deep Hospital – said that they were committed to bringing high level care to the people of Punjab . Dr Bedi said that lung surgery was a speciality which needed a high level of skill along with the latest technology. He used a very sophisticated machine called a stapler in the surgery. Dr Bedi explained that the stapler – though very expensive- reduces the incidence of complications and hastens recovery. Dr Bedi has devised an innovative technique for this surgery which has been published and acknowledged by the British Medical Journal (BMJ) which nominated it for the Innovations award . Mr Gurjit Singh said that he now feels fit and fine. He thanked Dr Bedi and the Deep Hospital for having looked after him.