Fifty-seven-year old Sannathimmaiah, who was unable to talk and eat for the past six months after losing his voice box, can now do it all after undergoing a unique surgical procedure at the city’s Chord Road Hospital. A young techie's invention that provided a simple silicon sheet ring, carved and designed with the help of a doctor at the hospital, gave back Sannathimmaiah from Tumkur the use of his voice.
Sannathimmaiah had come for a consultation to the hospital about a month ago. He had been fitted with a prosthesis six years ago after his voice box had been removed. “The entire area where the prosthesis was had become big and the prosthesis was coming out. Food particles were also coming out. He was not able to eat as well as talk for the past six months,” said Dr Vishal Rao, consultant in oncology, head and neck surgeon, who conducted the procedure along with Dr Deepak Haldipur.
Sannathimmaiah, who was a heavy smoker, had throat cancer. Seven years ago his voice box had been removed and a Rs 30,000 prosthesis inserted to allow him to eat and talk a little. When this failed, Sannathimmaiah, who worked as a labourer, had to give up working. Dr Rao says, “I was not able to understand how to rectify the area and get the new prosthesis fitted. Moreover, the patient was not in a condition to pay for the new prosthesis. It was then that my friend Sashank Mahesh, a techie, who manages a rubber industry at Peenya, and who had come to visit me, said that he could find a solution.”
A small piece of silicon sheet (which generally goes waste in the rubber industry) which was medically tested and approved was fashioned into the required shape by the doctor and his friend. It cost just Rs 300. “The required amount of silicon sheet was taken, carved and designed in the form of a ring and fitted at the lower part of his neck from outside. The procedure was done in the OPD and within 10 minutes of the procedure, Sannathimmaiah was able to talk and could drink water. My knowledge would not have been enough, had this young techie not intervened and joined hands,” Dr Rao said.
Shashank Mahesh said he was happy that his little contribution helped to restore a patient’s speech and ability to swallow. “Every voice counts,” he added. “I can talk and eat, and can now earn my living. All thanks to the team,” summed up a grateful and elated Mr Sannathimmaiah.