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Lifesaving ENT Surgery Rescues Young Man from Severe Sleep Apnea

Writer's picture: Anustup KunduAnustup Kundu

News Desk, News Nation 360 : People seldom ever pay attention to the silent wars that many around are engaged in throughout the daily commotion. Some of them are experiencing significant life-altering events, while others are dealing with uncommon or serious health issues. This is the inspiring tale of Sanchit Khandelwal, a Sevoke Road, Siliguri native, who overcame a terminal illness with the help of remarkable medical care and inner strength. The 31-year-old patient, Sanchit Khandelwal, was suffering from Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), a condition that blocks the airway during sleep. This seemingly invisible condition can significantly impact the quality of life and even be fatal. OSA causes repeated interruptions in breathing, loud snoring, and daytime sleepiness. His case was unique due to his age and physical fitness, as OSA is uncommon in healthy young individuals. His symptoms severely affected his productivity and mental, and physical well-being. To address his condition, he was prescribed CPAP therapy to keep his airways open. Dr Dipankar Datta, an ENT surgeon and sleep surgery specialist at Manipal Hospitals, Broadway, treated Sanchit, a patient suffering from Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) who was non-compliant with CPAP therapy. After conducting various tests, including polysomnography to monitor brain waves, oxygen levels, heart rate, and breathing during sleep, surgery was deemed the best option. On 8th September, Dr Datta performed Multi-level Sleep Surgery to improve the patient’s airway. The procedure began with an Intra Capsular Tonsillectomy (ICT) using Coblation to remove the tonsils while preserving some tissue for immune function. He then performed a Barbed Palatopharyngoplasty to reshape and widen the palate, ensuring the airway was not constricted. Finally, a uvuloplasty was carried out to trim the uvula, reducing obstruction in the airway. Before surgery, Sanchit underwent a drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE), where sleep was simulated to assess the dynamic blockage of the airway in real time, which helped finalize the surgical plan. Together, these steps were designed to improve airflow, enhance breathing, and promote better sleep for the patient. Dr Datta stated that the procedure took more than two hours. This portion of the procedure is uncommon and is only performed in the most severe cases of OSA when no other treatment, such as CPAP, is working. The procedure was more difficult because of its complexity and the condition's rarity. To achieve success and handle risks appropriately, a highly skilled team had to be involved in the procedure. Despite the difficulties he has been encountering, the patient's recovery story is one of inspiration.


Pic - Courtesy



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