Farmer survives spade piercing chest in 2-hour surgery at Balangir medical college
A 55-year-old Balangir farmer survived after a spade pierced his armpit and chest, with doctors at Bhima Bhoi Medical College performing a successful two-hour emergency surgery.
A 55-year-old farmer from Balangir district survived a life-threatening penetrating injury after a spade pierced his armpit and chest, with doctors at Bhima Bhoi Medical College and Hospital performing a successful two-hour emergency surgery on Saturday evening, avoiding referral to a tertiary care centre.
The patient was brought to the emergency department around 4:15 p.m. on Saturday in critical condition, having lost nearly one litre of blood and showing disorientation. After initial stabilisation and assessment, the surgical team decided to remove the embedded spade at the district medical college itself.
How did the injury occur?
Dr Sumit Samal, a member of the operating team, said the farmer had climbed a tree after placing his agricultural tools, including the spade, beneath it. He accidentally fell from the tree and landed on the spade, which penetrated the armpit region and extended into the chest. The patient was in severe pain on arrival.
What did the surgery involve?
The surgery began around 7:10 p.m. and concluded at approximately 9:20 p.m. A team from the surgery department, supported by anaesthesia and operation theatre personnel, carried out the procedure and removed the foreign object. According to hospital sources, the patient remained stable after surgery and was recovering well.
Who performed the operation?
Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling identified the surgical team as Dr Saroj Gochhayat, Dr Sumit Samal, Dr Anil Behera and Dr Satyabrata Samal, with anaesthesia support from Dr Neha Padhi and assistance from the operation theatre team. Mahaling congratulated the doctors, anaesthetist, operation theatre staff and health workers involved, stating their timely intervention had saved the patient's life.
What did the health minister say?
Mahaling said the success reflected the growing capacity of government medical institutions to handle critical trauma cases locally. "Their skill, dedication and spirit of service have strengthened public faith in Odisha's healthcare system," he said. The minister also acknowledged the support staff, noting that coordinated emergency response, anaesthesia management and surgical precision were crucial in preventing complications and ensuring the patient's survival.
Doctors said the patient would remain under close observation until his condition is fully stabilised.
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Where did the spade injury incident occur?
The incident occurred in Balangir district, Odisha, when a farmer fell from a tree onto a spade placed beneath it.
Which hospital treated the farmer?
Bhima Bhoi Medical College and Hospital in Balangir treated the farmer.
How long did the surgery take?
The emergency surgery took approximately two hours, from 7:10 p.m. to 9:20 p.m. on Saturday.
Who led the surgical team?
The surgical team included Dr Saroj Gochhayat, Dr Sumit Samal, Dr Anil Behera and Dr Satyabrata Samal, with anaesthesia support from Dr Neha Padhi.
What was the farmer's condition when admitted?
The farmer was in critical condition, had lost nearly one litre of blood, and was disoriented when brought to the emergency department around 4:15 p.m. on Saturday.
Was the patient referred to a higher centre?
No, the surgical team decided to remove the embedded spade at the district medical college itself, avoiding referral to a tertiary care centre.
What did Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling say about the case?
Mahaling congratulated the medical team, stating their timely intervention saved the patient's life and reflected the growing capacity of government medical institutions to handle critical trauma cases locally.
What is the patient's current condition?
According to hospital sources, the patient remained stable after surgery and was recovering well, though doctors said he would remain under close observation until fully stabilised.
Suresh Sahu
Senior District Correspondent, Balangir
Suresh Sahu has reported on Balangir district for the Mirror since 2020, focusing on drought-relief policy, health infrastructure, and district politics.
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