Editor
NEIGRIHMS, Meghalaya: In a groundbreaking achievement, the medical team at the North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (NEIGRIHMS) has successfully performed a pioneering procedure to treat an exceedingly rare lung disorder, marking a significant milestone not just for the state but for the entire North Eastern region.
The patient, a young adult male, had been grappling with progressively worsening breathlessness for more than eight months. Initially diagnosed and treated for Interstitial Lung Disease outside the state, his condition exhibited no signs of improvement.
Seeking advanced medical intervention, the patient turned to NEIGRIHMS, where a team of expert doctors from the Department of Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases, led by Dr. Vijay Noel Nongpiur, Assistant Professor, Dr. John Muchahary, Senior Resident, and Dr. Gideon Thangkhiew, Junior Resident, conducted an extensive evaluation. The diagnosis revealed an extremely rare condition known as Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis.
Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis is an uncommon respiratory disorder, with an incidence rate of only 6.87 cases per million population. It involves the accumulation of excessive surfactant lipoprotein, a protective lung protein, within the lungs, obstructing gas exchange and causing severe breathing difficulties. If left untreated, this condition can lead to respiratory failure and prove fatal.
The treatment for Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis requires a specialized technique known as Whole Lung Lavage. In this procedure, the lungs are thoroughly infused with a saline solution and then flushed to eliminate the surplus protein.
Under general anesthesia, NEIGRIHMS medical experts meticulously conducted the Whole Lung Lavage on the patient, utilizing up to 7 liters of saline for each lung. The outcome was nothing short of remarkable, with the patient's oxygen levels showing almost immediate improvement. Notably, the patient's symptoms displayed significant enhancement, leading to his discharge from the hospital. He is currently under follow-up care.
This intricate procedure was executed by a dedicated team, comprising doctors and technical staff from multiple departments, including Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases, Anaesthesia, and CTVS OT. Dr. Priyanka Dev, Associate Professor, and Dr. Dasara Nongbet, Senior Resident, from the Department of Anaesthesiology provided essential anesthesia support during the procedure. Dr. Reuben Kynta, Associate Professor from the Department of CTVS, provided surgical coverage in the operation theatre.
This achievement underscores NEIGRIHMS's commitment to pushing the boundaries of medical knowledge and its dedication to providing advanced healthcare solutions for patients facing rare and complex conditions. It stands as a testament to the exceptional skill and collaboration of the medical professionals at NEIGRIHMS, offering hope and healing to those in need.