20 August, Wednesday: From now on, 30-year-old Muktar Khan from Barddhaman can eat normally, speak clearly, and smile without hesitation. Doctors at Kolkata Medical College gave him a new life by creating a new tongue.
It all started when Muktar, a regular gutka user started experiencing issues with a mouth ulcer that appeared out of nowhere and ultimately made him consult with a doctor. Later on, it was found that due to oral cancer, the man was destined to lose his tongue.
This pioneering procedure was carried out by the Department of Plastic Surgery at the Kolkata Medical College. A portion of muscle from his left wrist doctors of the Plastic Surgery Department performed a sophisticated microsurgical procedure to reconstruct and repair his jaw effectively.
The Head of the Department, Dr. Prabir Kumar Josh, led the team in performing this landmark surgery. The procedure is called a “Radial Artery Forearm Flap.” Muktar had first visited Sagar Datta Medical College with his problem and later came to Kolkata Medical College. After examination, doctors found that the cancer had spread from his mouth to the lymph nodes in his neck, a condition known as “Marginal Mandibulectomy.”
Such surgery is usually very expensive in private hospitals, but at the government hospital it was performed free of cost. The doctors showed brilliant teamwork, earning wide appreciation. Dr. Biswajit Mondal from Nilratan Sarkar Hospital was also present during the surgery, which lasted six hours.
According to doctors, without this reconstruction it would have been extremely difficult for Muktar to eat, drink, or speak at his age. Oral cancer is often fatal if not detected early, and physicians strongly advise against using tobacco products of any kind.
