When 8 Countries Couldn’t Solve It, India Did – Medicover’s Surgical Team Gives 17-Year-Old a New Life”

Hyderabad, 25 July, 2025: Twenty-year-old Farah Ahmed Elmi had lived most of his life in pain. Diagnosed with hydrocephalus at age seven, he underwent a ventriculo-peritoneal (VP) shunt procedure in Somalia—a device that drains excess fluid from the brain to the abdomen. But instead of healing, what followed was a nightmare: multiple failed surgeries across eight countries, and relentless suffering.

By the time he reached Medicover Hospitals, Hyderabad, Farah had undergone laparotomy, was living with a colostomy bag, and had multiple discharging abdominal wounds (fistulas). His VP shunt was severely infected, and fecal matter was leaking through abnormal tracts—a critical condition known as enterocutaneous fistula.

A detailed CT scan painted a dire picture:

Infected, coiled VP shunt with pus

Loops of intestine matted with the abdominal wall

External fecal leakage through multiple fistulas

Abdominal nodules tested positive for Tuberculosis

In a high-risk, multi-disciplinary surgery, the team led by Dr. Venkata Pavan Kumar (Consultant General Surgeon), Dr. Damodar (Trauma Surgeon), Dr. Venugopal (Anesthesiologist), and the neurosurgery team of Medicover, performed:

Removal of infected VP shunt and pus tract

Resection of damaged intestine and ileo-ileal anastomosis

Closure of fistulous tracts and appendectomy

Initiation of anti-tuberculosis therapy (ATT)

“This case was complex and rare. Multiple organs were involved—brain, bowel, and abdominal wall—further complicated by abdominal TB. The teamwork across specialties made the difference,” said Dr. Venkata Pavan.

This isn’t just a success story—it’s a symbol of India’s medical excellence. What eight countries couldn’t resolve, Medicover’s integrated care approach achieved with precision, compassion, and success.

Medicover Hospitals remains a trusted destination for advanced, ethical, and affordable healthcare.