Manipal Hospital doctors give new lease of life to 17-year-old tiger attack survivor after multiple reconstructive surgeries
Gurugram: In a story of bravery, recovery, and overcoming odds, a young boy from a remote location in Ramnagar, Uttrakhand, got his life back after undergoing multiple reconstructive surgeries following a life-threatening encounter with a tiger on his way back from school.
Ankit, a 17-year-old student, was returning from school with his friends one afternoon in November 2023 when a tiger sitting on a tree attacked him from behind, grabbing his neck and scalp in its mouth. Somehow the tiger loses the grip from behind. Showing his bravery, the boy pulled the tiger’s tongue with his right hand and saved his life.
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The boy displayed immense presence of mind and managed to escape the tiger's grip, saving not only his own but also the lives of his friends who were with him at the time. However, the attack caused severe injuries to his face, neck, scalp, and right hand. His friends managed to take him to a nearby medical facility, where his condition was stabilized. However, the severity of the injuries was such that the patient was referred to the local higher center where he was given initial treatment, after that he was referred to Manipal Hospital, Gurugram and was admitted under Plastic Surgery Department under Dr. Asheesh Dhingra at Manipal Hospital, Gurugram and Dr. Yogita Pitale, Consultant Anesthesia for further treatment and reconstructive surgery.
When Ankit was brought to the hospital everyone was astonished to see how he managed to get himself out of the tiger's mouth. He had a massive blood loss and upon admission he had only 3HB. His scalp was lost, his skull bone was exposed, his right ear was dangling, his face was slashed, and his right-hand thumb was partially amputated.
Commenting on the case, Dr Ashish Dhingra, Plastic and Cosmetic Surgeon at Manipal Hospital, Gurugram, said, “When the patient came to us, he had faced severe injuries to his scalp, face, neck, and hand.
The wounds still had the debris and leaves from the place he had fought for his life with the tiger. His condition required reconstructive surgeries. We performed those surgeries over months to salvage his scalp and hand. He would require a few more to improve the functional and aesthetic outcomes. Ankit had been very brave and cooperative in the entire process of surgeries and post operative phase.
After 4 months, Ankit is now recovering well. His scalp, face, and hand injuries have healed, and he is ‘getting better every day’. He has now resumed his normal life.
Mr Navin Pascal, Hospital Director of Manipal Hospital, Gurugram, said, “Such serious cases demand a multi-faceted surgical approach. We are proud of our doctors, who are not just giving hope but a new lease of life to those in need. Reconstructive procedures are usually difficult, and Dr. Asheesh and his team have done an outstanding job in this case. We also salute the courage shown by the young boy. His quick thinking not only saved his life but also signifies the need for awareness and preparedness in regions prone to wildlife encounters.”
Manipal Hospital, known for its expertise in handling unique medical cases, successfully showcased its capabilities. The medical team's dedication to advanced healthcare, even in challenging situations, is evident in this case, where successful reconstructive surgery was performed on the patient, giving him back his normal life.
