Apollo Gleneagles Hospitals, Kolkata, Successfully Performs Cochlear Implantation On A 5 Year Old, A First Of Its Kind For Eastern India

Young Arian Debbarma, a resident of Tripura was suffering from the effects of prenatal hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy. The five year old was unable to hear since birth, and as a result, could not speak. His parents had tried multiple options across the country, but to no avail. Finally, they turned up at Apollo Gleneagles , Kolkata, where a team of specialists carried out a series of rigorous investigations. Following the investigations, a team under the leadership of ENT and Head and Neck Surgeon Dr Abhik Ghoshundertook the implantation of a cochlear device in Arian’s brain to bestow him with the gift of sound.

The operation was undertaken on 2nd April, 2016, on the occasion of World Autism day, and stitches were removed on 11th April, 2016. The patient is doing fine, and once the implant is turned on in about a month’s time, his improvement is expected to peak.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Rupali Basu, President and CEO-Eastern Region, Apollo Hospitals Group, India, said, “This particular case is a very rare incident, considering the fact that sensorineural hearing loss due to hypoxic ischemic brain damage is uncommon among the pediatric population. The successful completion of the surgery highlights Apollo Gleneagles’ premier position in the delivery of modern, transformative medical care. We are also in the process of starting a full-fledged cochlear implantation team, which can be expected to transform the treatment of such cases in the near future.

Ms Sangita Reddy, Joint Managing Director, Apollo Hospitals Group, India, added, " We are extremely happy and pleased at this rare feat by the team at Apollo Gleneagles Hospitals, Kolkata, and am sure they will continue to surpass even greater heights in the days to come. I also take this opportunity to wish young Arian all the best for a bright and prosperous future."