Doctors fixing a rare condition, one surgery at a time
Times ahead of Microtia Day, which is observed on November 9, Bhumkar said, “This condition is a deformity of the ear and especially the external ear and also affects the hearing of the patient. Also, not many know that microtia can be fully treated by an Entsurgeon but not many opt to train for this surgery because it is complex. There are hardly five such surgeons, including me, in the world who offer this kind of service.”
Bhumkar is the only Indian to have been chosen as founder member of the international society for auricular reconstruction (ISAR), a body established to promote excellence in all facets of auricular reconstruction.
“There is no particular cause behind this condition and also it does not affect the babies of those who are suffering from this genetic disorder,” said Bhumkar, who is also an alumni of B J medical college in Pune.
Most microtia patients often hide their condition by growing their hair and letting it lose over their ears.
“In my 30 years of experience, we have carried out more than 1,000 such surgeries worldwide. In Pune, we have operated upon more than 100 patients who have got their hearing back along with an ear because of the corrective surgery with us,” said Bhumkar.
The surgery is extremely complex in nature and earlier, was done in three to five sittings.
However, due to technical advancements in medicines and equipment, doctors are now able to provide the entire procedure in just one go, where hearing improvement along with microtia reconstruction is provided to the patient, Bhumkar said.
‘NEED MORE SURGEONS’
As Bhumkar is one of the few surgeons who provide this treatment, he has visited many countries to treat microtia patients there.
“I have travelled to many countries including Kazakhstan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, etc to perform these surgeries.
We feel that more doctors should come forward to train in this kind of surgery because there are people who need our help,” he said.