Thane: Fisherman’s hand saved from amputation after rare eel fish bite in Uttan

A 42yearold fisherman from Uttan Sandip Bhoir name changed had a miraculous escape after doctors at Wockhardt Hospitals Mira Road saved his hand from amputation following a rare and severe eel fish biteThe fishermans injured arm PIC VIA VINOD KUMAR MENONSandip who has spent decades fishing off the rocky shores of Uttan Beach in Bhayander was bitten by an eel fish while handling his catch The fish slipped from his grip and bit him twice on his left wrist causing deep cuts and heavy bleeding Fellow fishermen tried to control the bleeding with a tight pressure bandage before bringing him to the hospital nearly 17 hours after the incidentBy the time he reached the Emergency Department at Wockhardt Hospitals Mira Road Sandiprsquos hand and forearm were grossly swollen pale and lacked blood circulation or sensation He could not move his fingers and even passive movement caused excruciating painAfter a detailed examination doctors diagnosed him with acute compartment syndrome a limbthreatening condition where swelling cuts off blood flow to the muscles and nervesHe was immediately rushed to the operating theatre for emergency surgery by Dr Sushil Nehete a Plastic Hand and Reconstructive Microsurgeon with Dr Priti Dixit an Anaesthetist managing anaesthesia during this complex and highrisk procedure at Wockhardt Hospitals Mira RoadDr Sushil Nehete said ldquoWhen the patient arrived his hand had completely lost circulation Any further delay could have led to irreversible muscle damage and possible amputation At Wockhardt Hospitals Mira Road we performed an emergency fasciotomy releasing pressure in the forearm compartments and carpal tunnel which instantly restored blood flow Within a few days he began regaining sensation and movementrdquoDr Nehete further explained that immediately after surgery as blood flow was restored to the muscles metabolic waste products entered the bloodstream posing a serious risk of kidney failure a known complication after revascularizing ischemic limbs Thanks to the timely surgery and expert management by the ICU team at Wockhardt Hospitals the patient was closely monitored and his kidneys were protected from damageDr Priti Dixit Anaesthetist at Wockhardt Hospitals Mira Road played a critical role in ensuring the patientrsquos stability throughout the surgeryFollowing surgery Sandiprsquos recovery has been remarkable His hand circulation returned immediately postoperation and over the next few weeks sensation and movement improved significantly He is currently undergoing wound care will soon require skin grafting and is on a physiotherapy program to regain full hand functionDr Nehete added ldquoTimely surgical intervention at Wockhardt Hospitals Mira Road was crucial Wersquore pleased that his hand has been saved and he is expected to recover completely in a few monthsrdquoEel Fish or slender fish that belong to the order Anguilliformes Unlike most fish which have a typical body shape eels have elongated snakelike bodies which help them navigate through narrow spaces and burrow into mud or sand There are over 800 species of eels and they can be found in both freshwater and marine environments