Cuttack SCB doctors restore hope with artificial limb for accident survivor Vaishnavi

Vaishnavi, an eight-year-old girl from Betnoti in Mayurbhanj district, Odisha, has received an artificial leg after losing her left limb in a road accident. She met with an accident on March 14 while travelling on a bike with her family. As a result of the accident, her left leg was completely severed from the thigh. Following this, she was rushed to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, where doctors at the Plastic Surgery Department of reattached the limb.

However, after five days, infection developed in the leg, forcing doctors to remove it again. Vaishnavi remained under treatment at SCB for over two and a half months, following which an artificial limb was successfully fitted to her left leg. Her relatives expressed happiness and gratitude at her recovery.

Amputation Was Heartbreaking But Necessary, Says Dr Nayak

Prof. Bibhuti Bhusan Nayak, HoD, Plastic Surgery Department, SCBMCH, said, “The decision to amputate the reattached leg was very difficult for us to take. We were overwhelmed with grief that we had to take such a decision because saving a life takes precedence over reattaching a leg despite infection. My senior, could not sleep for a few days and neither could I for over two weeks that we could not save her leg. I used to visit the hospital at night just to check up on her in case she would face any further complications, I had asked my entire team to be on guard and keep track of the patient every hour. We had worked very hard to save her and this achievement brings great relief to us.”

Had Faith in Doctor’s Ability, Says MLA Sanatan Bijuli

Sanatan Bijuli, Badasahi MLA, said, “I was nervous over how could we save Vaishnavi. I have known Dr Bibhuti for some time now, he had reattached two hands in the past that were amputated, so I definitely had faith in him that he will be able to take care of her. Vaishnavi underwent a long surgery lasting nearly eight hours and the reattachment was successful. However, five days later, the leg developed infection and posed a risk to her life for the reason it was amputated.”