In-Flight Medical Emergency: Delhi Doctor Saves Elderly Passenger's Severe Urinary Retention

Dr. Richie Gupta, performed an emergency catheterization procedure on a 65-year-old passenger suffering from acute urinary retention
Dr. Richie Gupta, performed an emergency catheterization procedure on a 65-year-old passenger suffering from acute urinary retention (Representational Image: Unsplash)
Dr. Richie Gupta, performed an emergency catheterization procedure on a 65-year-old passenger suffering from acute urinary retention (Representational Image: Unsplash)
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In an extraordinary display of medical expertise and quick thinking, Dr. Richie Gupta, performed an emergency catheterization procedure on a 65-year-old passenger suffering from acute urinary retention during a flight from Delhi to the UK. They are Head and Senior Director of Plastic, Cosmetic, and Reconstructive Surgery at Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh.

The Medical Emergency Unfolds:

The elderly passenger, who had no prior history of urinary issues, began experiencing severe discomfort and frequent trips to the washroom. Despite attempts to relieve the condition with dry ice provided by the airline crew, the passenger's condition worsened. The airline crew's prompt response and decision to seek medical assistance likely contributed to the positive outcome. The flight crew, considering an emergency landing, sought Dr. Gupta's assistance.

The airline crew's prompt response and decision to seek medical assistance (Representational Image: Unsplash)
The airline crew's prompt response and decision to seek medical assistance (Representational Image: Unsplash)

Urinary retention is commonly seen in elderly males, often due to an enlarged prostate. In this case, I utilized the limited medical equipment available and performed a manual catheterization to relieve the patient. Without timely intervention, the situation could have escalated into serious complications such as kidney damage or infection.

Dr. Richie Gupta, Head of the Department and Senior Director of Plastic, Cosmetic, and Reconstructive Surgery at Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh

Limited Resources, Swift Action:

With only basic medical supplies available onboard, including sterile catheters, xylocaine jelly, syringes, and gloves, Dr. Gupta sprang into action. He swiftly examined the passenger, confirmed the diagnosis of acute urinary retention, and performed the emergency procedure. Draining approximately 800 milliliters of urine, Dr. Gupta alleviated the passenger's discomfort and prevented potential complications.

passenger, relieved from his distress, remained comfortable for the remainder of the flight (Representational Image: Unsplash)
passenger, relieved from his distress, remained comfortable for the remainder of the flight (Representational Image: Unsplash)

Key Insights:

  • Acute urinary retention is a painful condition requiring prompt medical attention.

  • Medical professionals demonstrate exceptional expertise and composure under pressure even in odd circumstances.

  • Basic medical supplies can be lifesaving in emergency situations.

Dr. Gupta's prompt action averted possible kidney damage, urinary tract infections, or even fatal consequences. The passenger, relieved from his distress, remained comfortable for the remainder of the flight. Dr. Gupta attributed the condition to an enlarged prostate, common in elderly males.

(Input From Various Sources)

(Rehash/Neha Kamble/MSM)

Dr. Richie Gupta, performed an emergency catheterization procedure on a 65-year-old passenger suffering from acute urinary retention (Representational Image: Unsplash)
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