Manipal Hospital Varthur successfully assisted a pregnant woman who was severely injured in a tanker accident and also did preterm delivery of the child due to the patient’s health complications. A 25-Years old Anita (name changed) was only 34 weeks pregnant at the time of the incident. She reportedly had two caesareans already and this was her third pregnancy. She was admitted to the hospital on December 3^rd, 2022 after the accident, which caused critical injuries. She experienced multiple injuries to her lower limbs, including bone and muscle injuries. All these factors made the surgery for preterm pregnancy highly risky. Nonetheless, a miracle happened as the doctors at Manipal Hospital Varthur were able to save both the mother and  deliver the baby.

Commenting on the situation, Dr. Sita Rajan, Senior Consultant – Obstetrics & Gynecology, Manipal Hospital, Varthur, said, ” In most cases, X-ray tests of the pelvic region are often avoided during pregnancy, but it was necessary in Anita’s case to evaluate the injuries. She had injuries in the lower limb which during surgery could have resulted in significant bleeding, a sudden drop in blood pressure, and fat embolism. Hence, the whole process was really challenging. Fortunately, she had no head injury.”

“While preparing for the surgery on the lower limbs, we realized that the baby’s heartbeat was fluctuating between 60 – 70, too less than the normal range of 120 – 140. We quickly decided to proceed with an emergency preterm cesarean prior to the orthopedic surgery. In less than 10 minutes, we delivered the baby with the help of an expert anesthetic team, and handed over the baby to the Pediatrics and NICU team for further evaluation.”, Dr. Sita Rajan added.

Following the delivery, the orthopedics team took over the treatment of the mother wherein she underwent necessary surgeries successfully and was kept under ventilation for a day for observation. And later she was discharged from the hospital on December 11^th, 2022.

In regards to the baby’s health, Dr. Anand Patil, Consultant – Neonatology & NICU, Manipal Hospital, Varthur, said, “The newborn weighed 2082 grams and was very sick at the time of birth. She required advanced neonatal resuscitation. Later, looking at the baby’s clinical signs, a few tests were performed s/o surfactant deficiency. She was put on a neonatal ventilator for 24 hrs, and CPAP – respiratory support for 48 hrs. The infant spent about 1 week in NICU.”

In the Initial 48-72 hrs, the child was monitored closely for hemodynamics. Once the infant’s health condition stabilized, she was given mother’s milk via tube feeds and then started on pallada feeds and breastfeeds.

For the next 18 months to 24 months, the kid will be monitored at the neurodevelopment clinic.

Despite the complexity of the case, the 24 hrs assistance of healthcare experts’ in

obstetrics and gynecology, neonatology, and orthopedics aided in delivering the right care at the right time.