A 22-year-old man survived a near-fatal gunshot injury after a team of doctors at Fortis Escorts Hospital, Faridabad, performed a timely and complex emergency intervention. The incident occurred during a celebratory firing at a birthday gathering, which quickly turned into a critical medical emergency.
Critical Condition on Arrival
The patient arrived at the Emergency Department with a bleeding wound near the right lower chest and severe breathing difficulty. Upon evaluation, doctors identified multiple life-threatening injuries, including internal bleeding in the abdomen and chest, liver damage, and multiple fractures of the right-side ribs. Given the severity, the case demanded immediate and precise medical attention.
Rapid Diagnosis and Immediate Action
Doctors swiftly conducted CT scans, chest X-rays, cardiac assessments, and laboratory tests. These investigations helped the team accurately assess the extent of internal damage. Consequently, they moved the patient for emergency surgery without delay.
Minimally Invasive Surgical Intervention
Led by Dr. Mohsin Khan, Senior Consultant in GI, Minimal Access and Bariatric Surgery, the surgical team performed a minimally invasive procedure. The operation included diagnostic laparoscopy, control of internal bleeding, removal of metallic pellets, and repair of damaged tissues. The surgery lasted approximately 2–3 hours and was followed by close monitoring in the ICU.
Multidisciplinary Approach Proves Crucial
As per the press release, Dr. Mohsin Khan emphasized that gunshot injuries often appear less severe initially but can rapidly become life-threatening. He highlighted the importance of a multidisciplinary approach involving trauma surgeons, anesthetists, intensivists, and nursing staff. In this case, the bullet caused significant injury to the liver, lungs, and chest wall. Therefore, immediate intervention played a decisive role in saving the patient’s life.
Patient Recovers Successfully
Following intensive care and monitoring, the patient showed steady recovery and was discharged in stable condition within six days. Expressing gratitude, he acknowledged the swift and coordinated efforts of the entire medical team, stating that their prompt action gave him a second chance at life.
A Cautionary Reminder
Dr. Abhishek Sharma, Facility Director, noted that celebratory firing can have devastating consequences within moments. He stressed that timely access to advanced trauma care made a crucial difference in this case. Furthermore, he reiterated the hospital’s commitment to delivering rapid and effective emergency care in critical situations.