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PM likely to undergo knee surgery near Diwali

Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee is likely to undergo a knee replacement surgery near Diwali in October.

Sources said the operation by renowned Non-Resident Indian surgeon Chittaranjan Ranawat is likely to be carried out after the visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin, starting on October two. The holidays near Diwali are being considered an appropriate time for the operation, they said.

Eminent orthopaedician and All India Institute of Medical Sciences Director P K Dave said that the post-operative healing takes about 12 to 14 days after which the patient is able to walk a bit. A patient has to spend about five days in the hospital. However, it could take up to a month-and-a-half for him to resume his regular routine.

According to doctors, a patient is able to function normally for about 10 to 12 years with the replaced knee.

Though the hospital where Vajpayee would undergo surgery has not yet been decided upon, AIIMS is being considered as the likely venue.

Dr Dave said a knee replacement surgery, done under general anaesthesia, is the job of a super specialist and the procedure could be carried out only in a modern operation theatre. The surgery takes up to an hour-and-a-half.

The cartilage in Vajpayee's left knee has worn out, which results in the knee bones rubbing together, leading to pain and acute discomfort while walking.

Surgery involves placing of a metal-cum-plastic cap after cutting the affected bones so that the bones do not rub against one another. Although the artificial knee is available in India, Dr Ranawat is expected to get the material from the United States of America.

Dr Chandra, an orthopaedic specialist who has also undergone knee replacement surgery, said that a patient is able to walk effortlessly after the operation. However, squatting, climbing too many stairs and bending the knee at an angle of 90 degrees is not advised.

Dr Chandra, who was also operated upon by Dr Ranawat, said that the US-based surgeon generally comes to India in the winter months to perform operations, mostly in the cities of Mumbai and Pune.

UNI

EARLIER REPORTS
Vajpayee ill, leaves Nagpur for Delhi
PM's knee cuts short White House ceremony
Knee specialist to examine PM
Doctors check Vajpayee's knees
PM to undergo knee surgery in India
Vajpayee to consult expert in US on knee problem
Nothing abnormal about PM's health, says doctor: PTI
Tour rescheduled on medical advice

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