The Trauma Surgery team at SRM Medical College Hospital & Research Centre has successfully performed its first rib stabilisation surgery, marking a significant milestone in advanced trauma care at the institution.
The patient, who had sustained multiple rib fractures in a road traffic accident, continued to suffer from severe chest pain for over a month despite optimal pain management and structured physiotherapy. The condition led to difficulty in deep breathing, disturbed sleep, and restricted daily activity due to poor healing and instability of the fractured ribs.
Recognising the need for surgical intervention, the trauma team led by Dr. Vijayan P, Associate Professor, Department of General Surgery, undertook a specialised rib fixation procedure to realign and stabilise the fractured ribs, enabling proper anatomical healing.
Following surgery, the patient showed rapid and marked improvement. Breathing became comfortable, mobility improved significantly with minimal pain, and the patient was able to resume routine activities with renewed confidence.
Speaking about the procedure, Dr. Vijayan P, Associate Professor, Department of General Surgery, who led the surgical team, said:
“This surgery was crucial because prolonged rib instability can severely affect breathing, mobility, and overall recovery. By stabilising the ribs surgically, we were able to relieve pain, improve lung function, and help the patient regain normal daily activity much faster. This outcome reinforces the importance of advanced trauma interventions when conservative treatment is no longer sufficient.”
This intervention is the first rib stabilisation surgery performed at SRM Medical College Hospital and is among the very few such procedures carried out in the city, reflecting the institution’s expanding capabilities in complex trauma management.
Commenting on the achievement, Dr. Nitin M. Nagarkar, Pro Vice Chancellor (MHS), SRMIST, stated, “This milestone reflects SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre’s strong focus on advancing clinical excellence and patient-centred care. Introducing complex trauma procedures such as rib fixation demonstrates our commitment to providing world-class treatment options and strengthening emergency and trauma services for the community.”
Rib fixation surgery is globally recognised as a critical advancement in trauma care, and its successful implementation at SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre marks a significant step in bringing highly specialised, life-saving chest trauma management to the region.
The successful surgery underscores SRM Medical College Hospital & Research Centre’s growing expertise in comprehensive trauma care and its ongoing commitment to adopting advanced surgical solutions that improve patient outcomes.
