18-Year-Old Mauritian Boy Regains Ability to Eat

Doctors replaced the patient’s damaged esophagus with a gastric tube from his stomach, using precision-driven minimal access surgery

India

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Pun/Chandigarh, April11, 2025:

 An 18-year-old boy of Indian origin from Mauritius developed a severe esophageal stricture after accidentally ingesting an alkaline liquid, causing a significant narrowing of his esophagus. Unable to swallow even liquids, he suffered from extreme weight loss and malnutrition. He successfully underwent minimally invasive surgery at Manipal Hospital Baner, Pune, restoring his ability to eat and recover.

Initially, the doctors performed a laparoscopic jejunostomy, which involves inserting a feeding tube directly into the small intestine. This procedure enabled the patient to get liquid nutrition, which led to an important boost in his nutritional state for two weeks. After he was stable, he underwent a thoraco-laparoscopic esophagectomy with gastric pull-up.

Thoraco-laparoscopic esophagectomy with gastric pull-up is a minimally invasive surgical treatment that involves removing the damaged esophagus and replacing it with a gastric tube made from the patient’s stomach to restore swallowing ability. This complex but minimally invasive treatment entailed replacing the damaged esophagus with a gastric tube that came from his own stomach. While this advanced surgical approach is usual for esophageal cancer, it was carefully adjusted to this patient’s specific demands.

Speaking about the case, Dr. Amit Parasnis, Head Of The Department & Consultant – Surgical Oncology & Surgery, Manipal Hospital, Baner, Pune, Said, “The severity of esophageal injury rendered this situation difficult. Dissection of the Strictureous segment of the esophagus was challenging due to adherence to surrounding vital structures.  Our approach ensured minimal trauma, quicker recovery, and improved post-surgery outcomes. The patient was able to get back to swallowing much more quickly due to the thoraco-laparoscopic esophagectomy with gastric pull-up.  Within ten days after surgery, the patient started taking drinks orally and responded well to the procedure. He was safely released and sent back to his home, where he is now recovering and progressively returning to his regular activities.”

Anand Mote, Hospital Director, Manipal Hospital, Baner, Pune, Said, “At Manipal Hospital, we are committed to offering advanced, minimally invasive surgical solutions that enhance patient outcomes. Handling complex international cases requires not just medical expertise but also a commitment to precision and compassionate care. Our highly qualified, experienced doctor team, backed by cutting-edge technology, provides world-class treatment to patients from across the globe.”

With cutting-edge equipment and an expert medical team, Manipal Hospital Baner continues to set new standards in advanced surgical care, providing the highest quality of care for both domestic and international patients.