In a remarkable display of medical skill and coordination, doctors at Heema Hospital in Itanagar have successfully saved the life of a heavily pregnant woman by performing a minimally invasive endoscopic surgery under critical conditions. The operation not only ensured the recovery of the 33-week pregnant patient but also led to the safe delivery of a healthy baby weeks later. The woman had been suffering from extrahepatic biliary obstruction (EHBO) and cholangitis — both serious conditions caused by a stone lodged in the common bile duct. Her case was further complicated by her history of gallbladder removal surgery, increasing the risk of complications and reducing surgical options.
Given the high risk associated with conventional open surgery in a patient so far along in her pregnancy, the medical team opted for an emergency endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with biliary stenting — a non-invasive procedure that involves the use of an endoscope to clear blockages and insert a temporary stent.The procedure was carried out on March 29 with utmost care to safeguard the fetus. A lead jacket was used to shield the patient’s abdomen from radiation exposure during the imaging process, a standard precaution when performing such procedures on pregnant patients. The results were almost immediate — the patient’s condition began to stabilize soon after the intervention, and she later went on to deliver a healthy baby at full term, much to the relief of the hospital staff and her family.
On May 16, she returned to the hospital for a follow-up ERCP to remove the stent and clear any remaining obstructions. The operation was successful, and she was discharged in stable condition with no further complications. Dr. Byabang Rana, Chief Medical Director of Heema Hospital, personally oversaw her care and discharge. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Rana said, “This case showcases the growing capabilities of healthcare in Arunachal Pradesh. The coordination between our departments and the swift decision-making saved two lives — the mother’s and the child’s.”
