Under the direction of Professor (Dr.) Ajai Singh, Executive Director of AIIMS Bhopal, a team of doctors gave life to a 68-year-old woman from Gorakhpur suffering from a congenital disease by performing a successful operation. The patient, who had been enduring severe difficulty in breathing for the past 7-8 years and was unable to lie down straight, sought treatment at multiple hospitals in Uttar Pradesh without relief. However, her journey towards recovery began when she presented to the Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery (CTVS) OPD at AIIMS Bhopal.                    

Upon thorough investigation, the medical team at AIIMS Bhopal diagnosed her with a congenital diaphragmatic hernia, a rare congenital deformity that occurs when there is a defect in the wall between the thorax and abdomen. This defect allows intestines from the abdomen to protrude into the thorax, exerting pressure on the heart and lungs, resulting in severe breathing difficulties.

Led by Dr. Yogesh Niwariya, a team of experienced cardiac surgeons, general surgeons, and anesthesiologists, the patient underwent a complex 4-hour surgery. The operation posed significant challenges as the patient's left lung had been under compression since birth, with intestines adhering to vital organs such as the lungs, heart, and major arteries and veins. There was a considerable risk of injury to nearby viscera during the procedure.

The surgical team meticulously recreated the diaphragmatic wall using an artificial membrane, ensuring the patient's safety and well-being. Remarkably, the patient demonstrated a swift recovery post-surgery, even started walking from the second day onwards. Executive Director of AIIMS Bhopal, Professor (Dr) Ajai Singh, while congratulating the entire team for this achievement, said that AIIMS Bhopal is fully prepared to deal with every challenge in future also.