7 Children Get Free High-Risk Spine Surgeries at Ahmedabad Civil Medicity

Ahmedabad | Gujarat — 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 like kyphosis and scoliosis are seen in about one out of every 1,000 children. This camp has brought new hope for such patients.

Kyphoscoliosis is a serious condition in which a child’s spine bends and twists like a snake.

 Treatment is usually very expensive and often remains a distant dream for middle-class families. Through this Indo-American surgery camp, that dream has become a reality for several families.

High Risk and Complex Surgery

Doctors associated with the camp said this is an extremely complex surgery. The operation usually lasts four to five hours. While straightening the spine, surgeons have to work very carefully around delicate nerves and major blood vessels.

One of the biggest challenges during the surgery is continuous neuro-monitoring. A small mistake can damage a major blood vessel, leading to loss of life or lifelong paralysis. To reduce these risks, an American neuro-monitoring team and anaesthesia experts provided technical support during the procedures.

Government Shield Against High Private Costs

Such complex surgeries cost between Rs 5 lakh and Rs 10 lakh in private hospitals. The Government Spine Institute performs around 30 to 40 such surgeries every year. During this camp, a nine-year-old child underwent a ‘growing rod surgery’, which is considered an advanced medical procedure. This technique helps keep the spine straight as the child grows older.

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

Teamwork and Global Partnership

The surgeries were led by Dr Piyush Mittal, Director of the Spine Institute, and 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 — contributed their expertise in handling the complex procedures. After the success of the camp, Minister of State for Health Prafulbhai Pansheriya appreciated the humanitarian effort.

Dr Piyush Mittal said there is a need to further strengthen Indo-American-international collaboration in the healthcare sector. Such partnerships not only make complex treatments possible but also promote academic exchange programmes for medical students and doctors. This will significantly contribute to the development of medical and surgical education in Gujarat.

Post-surgery

Rehabilitation is equally important, and the institute is giving special attention to it. This successful initiative at Ahmedabad Civil Hospital shows that advanced technology and skilled medical experts can truly transform lives.