In a departure from traditional celebrations such as routine seminars and conferences, doctors at the central government-run Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital in Delhi embarked on a marathon of surgical prowess to mark World Plastic Surgery Day on July 15. The hospital's medical team, led by The Burn and Plastic Surgery Department, set out to demonstrate their expertise in an unprecedented 24-hour surgical session.
From 9 am on July 15 to 9 am on July 16, a dedicated team of 17 surgeons tirelessly operated across 24 operating theatres, tackling a spectrum of complex cases ranging from congenital anomalies to severe trauma-induced deformities.
Among their patients were individuals as young as two years old to adults up to 47 years of age, each requiring specialised care and surgical intervention. Of the two minors (two years of age) bardach's palatal repair and contracture release with skin grafting were done. The oldest male, a 47-years-old patient underwent lymphangioma excision plastic surgery.
Dr. Ajay Shukla, Medical Superintendent of RML Hospital, said the initiative aimed to address postponed surgeries and urgent cases. He highlighted the department's commitment to maximising the number of procedures performed, ensuring that patients in need received timely care.
Among the day's notable achievements was the successful hand transplantation, a feat requiring intricate precision and coordination of bones, tendons, muscles, blood vessels, and nerves, said Dr. MK Jha, the Additional Director at the Hospital. The surgical marathon also addressed severe facial injuries, correcting not only functional impairments but also restoring essential aspects of patients' appearance and self-esteem. Dr. Samik Bhattacharya, Head of the Department of Burns, Plastic, Maxillofacial, and Microvascular Surgery, underscored the significance of procedures like eyebrow corrections, crucial for facial symmetry and expression.
The marathon session also catered trauma-induced deformities, burns requiring skin grafts, and congenital anomalies such as cleft lip and palate. Dr. Sharma, a seasoned Professor within the department, emphasised the transformative impact of these surgeries, not only improving physical health but also enhancing overall quality of life for their patients.
Dr Neerja Banerjee, head of Anesthesia, and the team headed by Dr Rupesh conducted the OT as a mission. Dr Banerjee said, that reconstructive surgery aims to restore the appearance and function of body parts affected by illness, injury, cancer, tumors, developmental issues, or congenital defects.
Commenting on the unique approach, Dr. VK Tiwari, a renowned Plastic Surgeon and former Medical Superintendent of RML Hospital, currently serving as Dean of Hindu Rao College in Delhi, said such initiatives will give idea to more hospitals which will ultimately benefit the needy.
“These surgeries often involve more complexity and longer healing times compared to cosmetic treatments,” he said.
