Mumbai’s Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre achieved a groundbreaking medical intervention led by Dr. Preeti Doshi. The team led by Dr. Preeti Doshi successfully treated Mr. Khaled Ali Hussein Al-Esayi a 56-year-old accountant from Saudi Arabia, for severe intractable post-amputation pain syndrome.

Mr. Al – Esayi was suffering from Type 2 diabetes mellitus and peripheral arterial disease. He underwent knee amputation in August 2019 owing to a diabetic gangrenous foot.

The subsequent development of excruciating stump and phantom pain significantly impacted his mobility and quality of life. Recognizing the challenges posed by traditional pain management methods, Dr. Preeti Doshi and the medical team opted for a pioneering approach – spinal cord stimulation (SCS). This advanced pain therapy involves low-voltage electrical stimulation applied to the spinal cord, creating a barrier for pain transmission. The results of the therapy were astounding, providing almost complete relief from his original severe pain.

Dr. Preeti Doshi explained, “Mr. Al-Esayi’s case presented a unique set of challenges given the severity of his post-amputation pain and the failure of previous revascularization procedures and multiple medications. The significant challenge was employing this intervention on Diabetic patient. Spinal cord stimulation offered a non-destructive, reversible solution, providing ongoing analgesia and significantly improving his quality of life. Spinal cord stimulation has proven to be an effective therapy for intractable pain syndromes. This case demonstrates its potential in addressing the complex and debilitating nature of post-amputation pain, offering hope to patients who have exhausted traditional treatment options.”

Dr Milind Khadke, Director Medical Services of Jaslok Hospital & Research Centre stated, “This successful case marks a significant milestone for medical science, particularly in the realm of post-amputation pain and neuropathic pain conditions. Given the prevalence of diabetes and associated complications, spinal cord stimulation can be a game-changer in pain management. It not only addresses neuropathic pain but also holds promise for improving peripheral circulation in diabetic patients, contributing to a significant advancement in our approach to diabetic care.”

The patient, Mr. Khaled Ali Hussein Al-Esayi, expressed his gratitude, saying, “The relief I’ve experienced with spinal cord stimulation is beyond words. I can now walk, sit comfortably, and enjoy a pain-free life. It’s like a second chance at normalcy. I am now even able to use my prosthesis, which enables me to mobilise”.

Spinal cord stimulation is a non-drug therapy, offering a viable alternative to manage severe neuropathic pain syndromes. This successful case opens doors for wider adoption of SCS, providing hope to the patients globally who suffer from post-amputation pain and other neuropathic condition.

The patient has recovered well and is currently back in Saudi Arabia.