Apollo Adlux Hospital Saves Patient from Rare, Life-Threatening Intestinal Condition

KOCHI:
Apollo Adlux Hospital has successfully saved the life of Abdul Rahman, who was diagnosed with acute mesenteric ischemia, a rare and life-threatening condition caused by a sudden blockage in the blood supply to the intestines. Following two complex surgeries and advanced intestinal rehabilitation, he has regained his health and returned to his normal daily life.

The patient was brought to the Department of Emergency Medicine at Apollo Adlux Hospital with severe abdominal pain. Investigations revealed a major blockage in the artery supplying blood to the intestines, causing extensive damage to the small intestine. Despite immediate medical treatment, emergency surgery became necessary. During the procedure, the surgical team led by Dr. Kartik Kulshresta, Consultant, Surgical Gastroenterology, removed the damaged portion of the intestine while successfully preserving approximately 50 to 60 centimetres of healthy small intestine.

Following the surgery, the remaining intestine was unable to absorb sufficient nutrients and fluids, requiring specialised nutritional support. To allow the bowel to heal, the surgeons created a temporary stoma, and the multidisciplinary team initiated an advanced intestinal rehabilitation programme, including Home Parenteral Nutrition (HPN), which provided complete nutrition intravenously at home. The team also implemented a specialised bile refeeding technique, in which digestive fluids were redirected into the remaining intestine to improve nutrient absorption, maintain hydration, and support recovery.

“Managing such extensive intestinal loss is extremely challenging and requires a carefully coordinated, multidisciplinary approach. Through meticulous nutritional support and advanced intestinal rehabilitation techniques, we were able to successfully restore the patient’s intestinal continuity and help him return to a normal quality of life,” said Dr. Kartik Kulshresta.

Once the patient’s condition had stabilised, the medical team performed a second surgery and successfully reversed the temporary stoma and reconnected the remaining small intestine to the large intestine. The patient has since regained his healthy weight, resumed a normal diet, and returned to his routine daily activities.

Dr. Sonu Sebastian, Associate Consultant, Surgical Gastroenterology, and Dr. Vinay Ramachandran, General Surgeon, were also part of the treatment.