Nagpur: A 28-year-old male patient presented to the 1020-bedded Shalinitai Meghe Hospital & Research Centre (SMHRC), Wanadongri, Nagpur, after seeking treatment at multiple institutes across the city over the past 2–3 years for progressively worsening neck pain, difficulty in walking, and impaired hand function that significantly affected his daily activities. Over time, his condition deteriorated further, manifesting as slowness of movements, persistent pain and paraesthesia involving all four limbs and trunk, along with marked stiffness of both upper and lower limbs.
Following detailed clinical and radiological evaluation, Dr. Paresh Korde, Senior Neurosurgeon and Associate Professor, diagnosed the patient with a rare Congenital Craniovertebral Junction (CVJ) anomaly associated with C2–C3 listhesis, leading to high cervical myelopathy. Dr. Korde explained that this was an exceptionally uncommon condition wherein a congenital CVJ anomaly had chronically resulted in subaxial cervical listhesis, causing progressive spinal cord compression.
In view of the advanced neurological involvement and the high risk of further deterioration, surgical intervention was advised. The patient and his family were extensively counselled regarding the complexity of the procedure and potential risks, including quadriparesis and the possibility of postoperative ventilatory support. After obtaining informed consent, a highly complex and high-risk neurosurgical procedure was planned.
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Mar 12 2026 - Time 11.45Hrs
Dr. Vasant Gawande, Chief Medical Superintendent, SMHRC, informed that the surgery was successfully performed by Dr. Paresh Korde, assisted by Dr. Prince Verma. The neuroanaesthesia team was led by Dr. Prachi Korde, Associate Professor and Senior Neuro-anaesthesiologist, assisted by Dr. Shivani Wargantiwar (Assistant Professor). Dedicated perioperative and postoperative nursing care was provided by Sr. Vaishali Kalmegh (OT In-charge), Sr. Nandini Porte (Ward In-charge), Sr. Soniya Dongre, Sr. Manisha Pine, and Br. Prashant Gosavi. Administrative support during hospitalization was extended by Ms. Divya Sejule (OT Manager), Shri Ahmindra Jain (Cashless Cell In-charge), and Shri Ashish Darne (Floor Manager).
Elaborating on the surgical challenges, Dr. Korde stated that the procedure was particularly demanding due to malformed and brittle cervical spine bones and the presence of high-riding vertebral arteries, significantly increasing operative risk. Despite these complexities, the surgery was completed successfully. With the support of a well-equipped operation theatre, trained OT staff, meticulous neuroanaesthesia management, and, as Dr. Korde humbly acknowledged, “God’s grace and the faith of the patient,” the intraoperative course remained uneventful.
Postoperatively, the patient demonstrated remarkable neurological recovery and regained the ability to walk, with significant resolution of his symptoms. Dr. Korde emphasized that although such cases carry high surgical risk, timely intervention in experienced hands can arrest disease progression and even reverse disability, preventing young patients from becoming bedridden and dependent. He added that the successful outcome marked a new beginning for the patient, enabling him to lead a life of dignity and independence.
Expressing pride in this achievement, Dr. Anup Marar, Director, DMIHER (DU) Off-Campus, Nagpur, stated, “This rare and high-risk surgery reflects the growing strength of SMHRC in managing complex neurological disorders. The expertise, teamwork, and dedication of our surgeons, anaesthesiologists, nursing, and support staff have transformed the life of a young patient facing progressive disability. Such outcomes reaffirm our commitment to advanced, patient-centric care.”
Notably, this advanced high-risk neurosurgical procedure was performed cashless under the ESIC (Employees’ State Insurance Corporation) scheme, a Government of India initiative providing comprehensive healthcare benefits to insured employees and their families.
The Department of Neurosurgery expressed gratitude for the unwavering support of the DMIHER (DU) management, including Dr. Rajiv Sonarkar (HOD, Surgery), Dr. Anjali Modak (HOD, Anaesthesia), Dr. Pratibha Deshmukh (Director, Anaesthesia), and Resident Doctors Dr. Yuvraj and Dr. Shubham.
