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Lakshmi responding to treatment post-surgery

By IANS

Bangalore : Lakshmi, the girl who was born on Diwali two years ago, is on the road to recovery and is responding to treatment being given since she was operated upon two days ago to part with her parasitic conjoined twin.

“Lakshmi is doing fine. She is responding to the treatment and had sound sleep through the night. She is still under close watch in the ICU,” super-speciality Sparsh Hospital chairman and chief orthopaedic surgeon Sharan Patil told IANS.

A team of five doctors, which performed the marathon surgery for 27 hours non-stop since early Tuesday, is monitoring Lakshmi’s health round-the-clock, with support staff.

“There is not much or dramatic change in her condition. It is difficult to give an update on her health frequently. Hereafter, we will put out a bulletin once a day later,” a tired yet relieved Patil said Friday.

As Lakshmi is still on the ventilator, she will be in the dedicated ICU for another 24-48 hours. She will be shifted to a special ward after she begins to breath normally and take food orally.

“The team is monitoring her condition by turn. Bio-chemical tests and investigations so far indicate her vital parameters are functioning normally. Her operated parts below waist are dressed regularly,” Patil said.

A day after the surgery, Lakshmi was able to move her hands and feet slowly a couple of times Wednesday. She was also able to open her eyes and wink for a while.

“We have reduced the sedative dose considerably to keep her awake for a longer time. She is regaining her consciousness gradually. Her response is remarkable, considering the complicated nature of the surgery and the loss of blood,” Patil pointed out.

Lakshmi’s parents — Shambhu and Poonam — who hail from a remote village in north Bihar, are thrilled to see their daughter progressing well.

“They were allowed to see her in the ICU early Friday and briefed about her health condition. They are relieved and cheerful. They want to be with her for a longer time to celebrate Diwali despite the place being a hospital and far away from the city,” Patil said.

The super-speciality private hospital is located in Narayana health city, about 35 km from India’s silicon hub. It is promoted by Narayana Hrudayalaya founder and noted cardiologist Devi Shetty.

Lakshmi was born on Diwali day in Oct 2005 with eight limbs, including two arms and two legs of her conjoined twin.

The doctors who performed the complicated surgery on Lakshmi along with Patil include chief anaesthetist Yohannan John, paediatric surgeon Ashley D’Cruz, neurosurgeon Thimappa Hegde, plastic surgeon Ashok Kaul and paediatric laparoscopic surgeon Sanjay Rao.

The parents are staying in the hospital’s guest room along with their son Mithilesh.