Mumbai doctors save woman suffering from life-threatening complications after bariatric surgery

Doctors at a Mumbai hospital have successfully treated a 49yearold woman who developed severe lifethreatening complications following bariatric surgeryIn a critical condition Jaslok Hospital and Research Centres team stepped in to perform a highrisk corrective surgery to give her a new lease of lifeIn February 2025 the patient underwent bariatric surgery in Ahmedabad Three months later she developed severe complications and was admitted to two different hospitals in Navi Mumbai for emergency care where she underwent emergency laparotomy abdominal surgery to open and examine the abdomen for a perforated gastrojejunostomy ulcer a hole at the stomachndashsmall intestine connection Her recovery was further complicated by acute kidney injury sudden kidney failure and a cardiac arrest heart stopped beatingDespite aggressive treatment her condition worsened with gastric leaks stomach contents leaking out wound dehiscence surgical wound reopening and respiratory distress difficulty in breathing In desperation her family contacted bariatric surgeon Dr Sanjay Borude for help Recognising the gravity of her condition Dr Borude advised an urgent transfer to JaslokBy the time she arrived in May 2025 the patient required BIPAP noninvasive breathing support highflow nasal cannula oxygen delivery system and intensive monitoring A multidisciplinary team led by Dr Pinak Pandya chief intensivist stabilised her with targeted antibiotics thyroid management nutrition support and wound careOnce her condition improved surgery was performed under the leadership of Dr Borude supported by Dr Rahul Borude and Dr Jaydeep Palep with anaesthesia care by Dr Prerna Gomes additional director Anaesthesiology Intraoperatively the team found a plastered abdomen with adhesions organs stuck together pus pockets infection collection and a gastric perforation hole in stomach Under Dr Borudersquos direction the perforation was meticulously repaired reinforced with omentum natural fat covering of the abdomen and drains were placed for recoveryPostoperatively she required advanced care including imaging CT scans Xrays endoscopic procedures camerabased internal checks fistula clipping closing abnormal passages and pleural effusion drainage removing fluid around lungs Persistent infections including Candida auris drugresistant fungal infection were treated with guidance from Dr Pankaj Dhawan consultant gastroenterology and Dr Mala Kaneria consultant infectious diseases Blood transfusions albumin therapy protein supplementation and cardiology input for arrhythmias irregular heartbeats were provided until she stabilised and resumed oral intake The patient was admitted for 64 days battling between life and death before finally recoveringDr Borude said ldquoWhen I first examined the patient her abdomen was in a very critical state with severe infection adhesions and pus collections around the operated area Each step of the surgery was highrisk and required precise judgment to clean the infection and repair the gastric perforation safely We reinforced the weak area and closed it carefully in layers to avoid further leaks Seeing her gradually stabilise and regain strength has been very rewarding Irsquom especially thankful to Dr Rahul Borude and Dr Jaydeep Palep for their invaluable support throughout the procedurerdquoDr Pinank Pandya chief intensivist added This case was extremely complex from the outset as the patient was already in critical condition with multiple organ complications Our primary focus was to stabilise her respiratory and hemodynamic status while coordinating with various specialties to manage infections nutrition and wound care The success of this case lies in seamless teamwork rapid decisionmaking and continuous monitoring which ultimately enabled us to bring the patient back from a lifethreatening situationDr Milind Khadke Chief Medical Officer of the hospital added ldquoThis was one of the most challenging postbariatric cases we have encountered in recent years The patient arrived with lifethreatening leaks widely gaping surgical wound and persistent infections requiring immediate coordinated intervention Every decision from stabilising critical complications to guiding her through postoperative recovery demanded vigilance precision and seamless teamwork across multiple specialties Successfully navigating this case demonstrates Jaslok Hospitalrsquos expertise in managing rare highrisk emergencies with structured multidisciplinary care tailored to each patientrsquos needsrdquoThe patients husband expressed ldquoWhen we lost hope we called Dr Sanjay Borude and he guided us through the whole journey I had lost hope of seeing her alive but the doctors nurses and everyone at Jaslok worked like one robust team They not only brought my wife back to life but also cared for her like one big family I really thank Dr Borude for saving my wiferdquo