47-Year-Old Man with A Rare Complication of Deep Vein Thrombosis Successfully Treated at Wockhardt Hospitals

Mumbai: A team consisting of 3 doctors, Dr. Girish L. Bhalerao, Super Specialty Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Dr. Upendra Bhalerao, Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgeon and Dr. Shraddha Deshpande. Consultant Plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Wockhardt Hospital, Mira Road saved the left leg of the patient which turned had turned black due to the rare complication of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). The patient also underwent extensive skin grafting procedure to replace the entire circumference of his leg which had got damaged due to the disease.

Mr. Rane (name changed to protect identity) a 47-year-old resident of Mira Road businessman, couldn’t concentrate on his work as he encountered unexplained foot pain and swelling in the left leg in 2016. He was diagnosed with Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) a condition wherein blood clots form in the veins that are located deep inside the body. He was taking regular medications and precautions for the same.

But the Coronavirus lockdown turned into a nightmare for this patient as it aggravated his condition. Due to the long hours of sitting during the lockdown, he experienced foot pain in July 2020 and was unable to walk. The patient and his family panicked as his left leg turned black as he couldn’t get proper medical advice. He consulted a doctor from a local hospital who advised him amputation of the left leg as the condition had become life-threatening. He then approached Wockhardt hospital, Mira road in a bid to save his leg.

Dr. Girish L. Bhalerao, Super Specialty Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Wockhardt Hospital Mira Road said “On admission, the patient was in septic shock which is a serious condition that leads to the infection throughout the body and one’s blood pressure drops as well.

Dr. Upendra Bhalerao, Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgeon, Wockhardt Hospital, Mira Road said, “DVT affects the legs and causes disruption in the vascular outflow. Delayed diagnosis and not treating the clot at the right time can lead to scar tissue in the wall, permanently damaging the deep veins. In serious cases, DVT causes Pulmonary Embolism, a blood clot that travels to the lungs. In this patient, deep vein thrombosis had led to necrosis of the entire circumference of his leg and caused a life-threatening infection. Initially, he was stabilized and the infection was controlled. Once that was done the skin necrosis was tackled by Dr. Shraddha Deshpande. Consultant Plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Wockhardt Hospital, Mira Road.

Dr. Shraddha Deshpande said “Post DVT, the skin of the leg was severely damaged and required extensive debridement. Immediate cover of such a large wound was necessary, hence a skin grafting procedure was performed for this patient. He also had necrotic skin patches in his thighs which were addressed later in stages. Due to his disease, his blood coagulation had to be monitored continuously to make sure there is no bleeding during this extensive surgery. Eventually, the patient has healed completely and can now walk pain-free.

“Leg pain snatched away my peace of mind over the years. But, during the lockdown, my condition worsened and my left leg turned black. I was embarrassed and would wear full pants so that the leg is not visible. It took a toll on my self-esteem as my left leg appeared discolored when compared to the right one. I thank doctors from Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road for helping me move freely again,” concluded patient Mr. Rane.