A Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH) release last week announced the successful surgical treatment and discharge of a six-year-old girl who sustained a critical gunshot wound to her head on June 16. The bullet had penetrated the left temporal region and lodged in the right temporal-parietal region of the brain.
The young patient was admitted to GPH on June 16, in critical condition following a tragic incident in which she was shot in the head. Immediate surgical intervention was required, and an initial surgery to stop the bleeding was performed, a crucial step in stabilising the child’s condition. Three days later, on June 19, a second surgery was successfully performed to remove the bullet lodged in her brain.
These two life-saving surgeries were performed by Chief Neurosurgeon Dr Amarnauth Dukhi, with the support of his neurosurgery team, along with the nurses in the Intensive Care Unit, High Dependency Unit, and Paediatrics Unit.
The release pointed out that the complexity of these surgeries and the initial prognosis highlighted the grave nature of the situation. Despite the seemingly low chances of survival associated with gunshot injuries to the head, the meticulous care and expertise of Dr Dukhi and his team ensured the successful outcome of both procedures.
The child was eventually discharged by the neurosurgery team on July 18, and continued to receive care in the hospital’s Paediatrics HDU and Paediatric Ward for further optimization of her condition. On July 30, the young patient was discharged and is now back at home, on the path to a full recovery.
“This outcome underscores the critical role of advanced medical care in our Neurosurgery Department and the unwavering commitment of GPH staff to saving lives, even in the most challenging circumstances,” the release noted. It added, “We extend our heartfelt thanks and commendation to the Neurosurgery team for their excellent work and dedication to neurosurgical care nationally, and to the medical staff, the patient’s family, and all those who supported this incredible journey to recovery for this six-year-old child.”
