Girl gets new lease of life after rare surgery

Chennai: For the last three years, 18-year-old P. Devarani of Tiruvannamalai could not walk and urinate properly. She was detected with a dermoid cyst, (a rare phenomenon in which a tumour is found with hair and teeth) restricting the movements of her limb and spine. “Devarani, who completed her tenth standard approached us early this year and it was first of its kind surgery”,  said Dr. Ranganathan Jothi, head, department of neurosurgery.

The patient was unable to walk and consulted many doctors. She was admitted to the hospital on April 20 this year and operated on May 6 and is now fit enough to lead an ailment free life, Dr Jothi said. MRI and CT scans revealed a tumour in the intramedullary region of her spinal cord closer to the neck region. Operating the tumour was the most complicated and the breakthrough was achieved through sophisticated equipment, the surgeon said adding that the girl was operated free of cost under the Chief Minister's comprehensive health insurance scheme.

“Though I managed to complete tenth standard, my studies had to be discontinued and I was leading a sedentary life due to the ailment, but now I am free to explore my life”, a cheerful Devarani told Deccan Chronicle.  “Now I am normal and feel relieved.” she added. According to hospital sources,  the surgery was rare and only some 100 global cases have been reported so far. The cost of the surgery in a private hospital would cost around Rs 2. 5 lakh.