Stem Cells Used To Save A Mans Leg
Stem Cells Used To Save A Mans LegBy Jessica Vyzas
Bhadwan DassFifty five years old From Haryana, India A diabetic
who was close to losing his leg due to gangreneDass needed to
undergo an amputation from his thighs and half of his leg was
black
Background InformationDass has blocked blood vessels in his legs
and gangreneHe has already experienced a bypass procedure and an
angioplastyOnce these surgeries have been done, they cannot be done
again. In the past, patients would have no other choice but to get
an amputation.
The SurgeryInstead of an amputation, a hospital on the outskirts
of Delhi used stem cells to save Dass leg. Last December, he
received surgery at the Asian Institute of Medical Science in
Faridabad.
THE
PROCEDURE
Where did the Stem Cells Come From?The stem cells came from the
bone marrow in Dass hipbones. 180mL of bone marrow was extracted
and processed, which resulted in 48mL of concentrated stem
cells.
Next..The stem cells were then injected at several different
spots on his legs.These stem cells will become new blood vessels
(aka angiogenesis). Blood flow will enhance and Dass condition will
get better.
ResultsResults will not be seen until six or eight weeks into
the therapy. Dass has already reduced the amount of painkillers and
antibiotics he takes a day. The goal of this procedure is to reduce
the amputation.
Just for Research, Not TreatmentThe government of India does not
support this treatment.'Indian Council of Medical Research's (ICMR)
stand is very clear. The director (V.M. Katoch) has said that
private hospitals should use the therapy for research, not for
treatment,' an ICMR official said.A committee has been recently
formed to make rules and regulations regarding stem cell therapy in
India.
In ConclusionStem cell therapy may be the new and popular
treatment to be done if one is in this situation. There is a 75%
chance that this condition will get better through the use of stem
cells.
