Ahmedabad: The Government Spine Institute at Civil Medicity in Ahmedabad has once again emerged as a centre of medical innovation and humanitarian service.

Under the ‘Indo-American Spine Surgery Camp’, organised with the support of the Gujarat government’s Health and Family Welfare Department, seven children suffering from severe spinal deformities were successfully operated upon.

According to global data, conditions such as kyphosis and scoliosis affect approximately one in every 1,000 children. The camp has brought renewed hope to families battling these complex conditions.

Kyphoscoliosis is a serious disorder in which a child’s spine bends and twists abnormally, often leading to significant physical deformity and health complications.

Treatment for such conditions is usually expensive and often remains beyond the reach of middle-class families. Through this Indo-American surgery camp, that aspiration for corrective treatment has become a reality for several families.

High-Risk and Complex Surgery

Doctors associated with the camp described the procedure as extremely complex and high-risk. Each surgery typically lasts four to five hours. While straightening the spine, surgeons must work with extreme precision around delicate nerves and major blood vessels.

One of the most critical aspects of the surgery is continuous neuro-monitoring. Even a minor error can damage vital blood vessels, potentially leading to paralysis or even loss of life. To minimise these risks, a specialised American neuro-monitoring team and anaesthesia experts provided technical support throughout the procedures.

Government Support Offsets High Private Costs

Such complex spinal surgeries typically cost between Rs 5 lakh and Rs 10 lakh in private hospitals. The Government Spine Institute performs approximately 30 to 40 such surgeries annually.

During the camp, a nine-year-old child underwent a ‘growing rod surgery’, an advanced procedure designed to allow the spine to remain aligned while accommodating the child’s natural growth.

The camp benefited not only children from Gujarat but also patients from other states across India. For many families, the initiative has provided renewed confidence and hope.

Teamwork and Global Collaboration

The surgeries were led by Dr Piyush Mittal, Director of the Spine Institute, along with Dr Prerak Yadav. They were supported by anaesthesia specialists Dr Reema Vansola and Dr Kinjal Anand.

Spine surgeons from the United States — Dr Viral Jain, Dr Harshad Patel, Dr Karen Young, Dr Devel Carol and Dr Scott Cowan — also contributed their expertise in handling these complex procedures.

Following the success of the camp, Minister of State for Health Prafulbhai Pansheriya appreciated the humanitarian effort.

Dr Mittal emphasised the need to further strengthen international collaboration in healthcare. He noted that such partnerships not only make advanced treatments accessible but also encourage academic exchange programmes for medical students and doctors, thereby contributing to the advancement of medical and surgical education in Gujarat.

Post-Surgery Care Equally Crucial

Post-surgical rehabilitation is equally important, and the institute is giving special attention to long-term recovery and follow-up care.

The success of this initiative at Ahmedabad Civil Hospital demonstrates how advanced technology, global collaboration and skilled medical professionals can collectively transform lives. DeshGujarat