Kolkata: Manipal Hospitals in Salt Lake, Kolkata, successfully performed VATS (video-assisted thoracic surgery) on a 29-year-old woman. Dr. Dipayan Ghosh, Cardiothoracic Surgeon at Manipal Hospital, performed the minimally invasive treatment in less than two hours.
Ms. Ria (name changed), a Sonarpur resident and painting teacher by profession, had a persistent cough that was managed with antibiotics bronchodilators and other conservative measures.
She also suffered from respiratory distress or shortness of breath on exertion (SOBOE) for around 4 years. Upon rapid diagnosis, a decreased breath sound on the right side was noted in comparison to the left. Furthermore, a large bulla in the right lung with bilateral COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) was also discovered.
Dr Dipayan Ghosh, Cardiothoracic Surgeon said, “Uniportal VATS bullectomy procedure with surgical pleurodesis was performed to release the trapped right lung and prevention of tension pneumothorax. VATS enabled to navigate the intricate pathways of the thoracic cavity, excising the bulla with precision and finesse. Through a mere 4 cm access port, discreetly concealed beneath the breast, the oppressed lung was freed.”
The etiology of reason of Ria’s condition is congenital. With the progress of age, it also progresses and ultimately develops into a large air-filled space connected to the healthy lung, which is compressed under it.
The conditional if untreated might lead to rupture of the giant bulla causing tensionpneumothorax, a life threatening with eventual development of cardiac arrythmia leading to sudden death.
Dr. Ghosh added, “VATS is a modern technique that minimizes the chances of high blood loss during the surgery. Minimal scarring, reduced pain, and swift post-operative recovery, allowing the patient to return to work early, are the other advantages of VATS.”
Ria was discharged on the post operative day in a stable condition. She has been advised rest for a week and to remain under medical supervision and to avoid any form of strain.
