Specialized Neurosurgery at Beebe, Right When It Matters Most
Barbara Kipp never knew she would need a neurosurgeon, but now she is forever grateful that fellowship-trained neurosurgeon, Punit Pandya, DO, and the Beebe Healthcare team were there for her.
Barbara’s first indicator of a problem was sudden, intense bladder and bowel trouble. She contacted her primary care physician, who insisted that she go to the Emergency Department, out of concern that Barbara was showing signs of Cauda Equina Syndrome, a medical condition involving the spine that requires urgent attention.
Understanding the urgency, Barbara wasted no time heading to the hospital, hoping for answers and prompt care. An MRI showed a herniated disk putting pressure on nerve roots at the bottom of the spinal cord, which confirmed Cauda Equina Syndrome and explained Barbara’s sudden back pain, weakness, and incontinence. Getting treatment quickly is key, as delays in care can result in symptoms becoming permanent and irreversible.
Fortunately, Dr. Pandya, a fellowship-trained, board-certified neurosurgeon who sees patients and performs procedures at Beebe through the hospital’s clinical affiliation with Jefferson Health, was available to step in quickly. He specializes in advanced treatments for conditions affecting the neck (cervical spine), upper back (thoracic spine), and lower back (lumbar spine), and is experienced in performing the specific surgical procedure Barbara required.
“Cauda Equina Syndrome is usually the result of severe lumbar stenosis, which puts a lot of pressure on the nerves in the spine,” said Dr. Pandya. “Barbara needed a lumbar laminectomy, which is a minimally invasive surgery that involves carefully decompressing those nerve roots.”
Barbara’s five-hour surgical procedure was successful and resulted in immediate resolution of her bowel and bladder problems. She appreciated having a surgeon who was well versed in her condition, but of equal value was the kindness and compassion she felt from Dr. Pandya and the other clinical providers at Beebe throughout her process of care.
Physical therapist Jonathan Orlando works with Barbara Kipp during a recent session.
“Dr. Pandya explained the problem as well as what he was going to do about it, in great detail,” said Barbara, age 80. “He kept me calm and comfortable, and made me feel confident that I would feel better with the right treatment. And he was right. I continued to get better each day once I got through the surgery.”
Dr. Pandya believes Barbara’s story underscores why it is important for people to be proactive about their health and seek medical care promptly if and when any unusual problems present. “Cauda Equina Syndrome is fairly common; in fact, there are people walking around with it that don’t realize they have it because the first symptom has not yet presented,” said Dr. Pandya.
“Barbara’s willingness to share her story gives us an opportunity to educate our community. If you are experiencing sudden bowel or bladder issues, severe leg or back pain, or numbness in your legs, back, buttocks, or genitalia, you could be seeing the signs of Cauda Equina Syndrome, and seeing a doctor quickly is very important in order to prevent long-term impact.”
Dr. Pandya has been caring for patients in Sussex County since September and performing brain and spine surgery at Beebe’s Lewes Campus. He initially focused on common neck and lower back conditions, and based on growing community need, Beebe has expanded its neurosurgical services. Patients can now receive advanced, lifesaving care close to home, including emergency brain surgery to relieve pressure, treatment for serious head injuries and brain swelling, management of fluid around the brain, and care for other complex brain conditions.
Now that she is feeling better, Barbara is back to relaxing at home and enjoying lunch out with friends. She remains very grateful to Dr. Pandya and shares her story, along with praise for her local, nonprofit community hospital, often.
“I can’t thank the Beebe team enough,” said Barbara. “I trusted them and they took such good care of me.”