In a remarkable feat of medical precision and teamwork, a multidisciplinary team at Dr. L H Hiranandani Hospital, Powai, led by Consultant Neurosurgeon Dr. Khursheed Ansari, successfully saved the life of three-year-old Ariba Khureshi, who sustained a devastating head injury in a road accident. The complex surgery showcases the hospital’s advanced trauma care capabilities and commitment to pediatric emergency services.
Devastating Injury Leaves Child Critical
The accident occurred when Ariba was standing in front of a two-wheeler and took the full force of a fall, while the driver escaped with minor injuries. Her injuries were catastrophic—her skull shattered, scalp torn, and brain tissue exposed. She was first taken to a nearby hospital and later rushed to Dr. L H Hiranandani Hospital in an unconscious and critical condition, with her life hanging in the balance.
Rebuilding a Shattered Skull
Dr. Ansari compared the challenge to “piecing together a broken eggshell.” The neurosurgical team, in collaboration with plastic surgeon Dr. Dipesh Malviya, conducted a highly intricate operation to reconstruct the child’s damaged skull and scalp. They used tissue from Ariba’s own body to fill the large gaps in her skull, creating a protective barrier around the brain and minimizing the risk of infection or further damage.
Post-Surgery Recovery and Rehabilitation
Following the operation, neonatologist Dr. Shivkumar and pediatrician Dr. Sanjeev Ahuja took over the post-operative care. They closely monitored Ariba’s vitals and neurological status, ensuring a stable recovery environment. Within eight days, she began to breathe on her own, opened her eyes, and was finally discharged—an outcome that amazed the entire medical team and her family.
Urgent Call for Child Road Safety
Reflecting on the case, Dr. Ansari emphasized,
“This case shows why every second counts in an emergency. Parents must never allow children to sit or stand in unsafe positions near vehicles. Prevention is always better than cure.”
Hospital CEO Dr. Sameer Kulkarni echoed this sentiment, stating,
“This child’s survival is a powerful story of teamwork, skill, and determination. But it also raises urgent concerns about road safety for children. No journey is worth risking a child’s life.”
Hope Restored: A Family’s Gratitude
The emotional impact on Ariba’s family was profound. Her father shared,
“There was a moment when I thought I had lost her forever. Seeing her open her eyes and smile again felt like being given a second life. The doctors didn’t just save my daughter—they brought back our hope.”
A Testament to Modern Medicine and Teamwork
This successful case underlines the exceptional expertise of the medical staff at Dr. L H Hiranandani Hospital and the value of immediate, specialized trauma care. With state-of-the-art facilities and a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach, the hospital continues to deliver life-saving outcomes, reaffirming its position as a leader in critical care.