DTMT Network
Doctors of Global Hospital, Parel, Mumbai, have given a new lease of life to a Kurdistani boy, Goran Shakhawan, 11, by performing spinal microsurgery that will help him walk again.

Goran was suffering from a rare spinal cord tumor since he was five years of age. His mother noticed that he was limping and had developed scoliosis and shortening of his left leg.

With the help of further tests at the local hospital, a spinal cord tumor was diagnosed. However, due to the lack of specialized pediatric neurosurgery facilities in Kurdistan, Goran was referred to Global Hospital in June 2019 for further management.

Dr. Suresh Sankhla, HOD, Neurosurgery, Global Hospital, who performed the surgery, said that Goran had a large internal spinal cord tumor which was extending along the whole length of the spinal cord -- a rare condition responsible for weakness in his leg and scoliosis.

Dr Sankhla added, “Goran underwent surgery for removal of the tumor (under intraoperative USG and neuromonitoring guidance), and laminoplasty on 26th June 2019. Goran had an uneventful recovery after surgery and was discharged from the hospital after 5 days.”

Goran, said, “I could walk, and do daily activities like other children of my age. But, I was disheartened as they were taller than me. They would walk properly, and I would limp. I always dreamt of being able to walk properly without limping. I have been told by the doctors that within a few months, I will be able to get rid of scoliosis, stand on my feet, and live life the way I wanted to.”