Mumbai Surgeons Save Fisherman’s Hand After Rare Eel Fish Bite Injury at Uttan Seashore
Mumbai, 27th October 2025: A 42-year-old fisherman from Uttan, Sandip Bhoir (name changed), had a miraculous escape after doctors at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road, saved his hand from amputation following a rare and severe eel fish bite injury.
Sandip, a seasoned fisherman who has spent decades along the rocky shores of Uttan Beach in Bhayander, was bitten twice on his left wrist by an eel fish while handling his catch. The deep cuts led to heavy bleeding, and despite first-aid attempts by fellow fishermen, he reached the hospital nearly 17 hours after the incident with severe swelling and loss of circulation in his hand.
At Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road, his hand and forearm were found to be grossly swollen, pale, and without blood flow or sensation. Even minimal movement caused unbearable pain. After evaluation, doctors diagnosed acute compartment syndrome, a limb-threatening condition where internal pressure cuts off circulation to muscles and nerves.
He was immediately taken for emergency surgery by Dr. Sushil Nehete, Plastic, Hand and Reconstructive Microsurgeon, with Dr. Priti Dixit, Anesthetist, managing anesthesia during the complex, high-risk procedure.
“When the patient arrived, his hand had completely lost circulation. Any further delay could have led to irreversible muscle damage and amputation,” said Dr. Sushil Nehete, Plastic, Hand and Reconstructive Microsurgeon, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road. “We performed an emergency fasciotomy to release pressure in the forearm compartments and carpal tunnel, restoring blood flow instantly. Within days, he began regaining sensation and movement.”
Dr. Nehete explained that once blood flow was restored, the sudden release of metabolic waste products posed a serious risk of kidney failure—a known complication after revascularization. “Thanks to timely surgery and expert ICU management, his kidneys were protected, and recovery progressed smoothly,” he added.
Dr. Priti Dixit, Anesthetist at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road, played a key role in maintaining the patient’s stability throughout the delicate procedure.
Following surgery, Sandip’s recovery has been remarkable. His hand circulation returned immediately post-operation, and over the following weeks, he regained sensation and movement. He is now undergoing wound care and physiotherapy and will soon receive skin grafting to achieve full functional recovery.
“Timely surgical intervention was crucial,” Dr. Nehete emphasized. “We’re pleased that his hand has been saved, and he is expected to make a complete recovery in the coming months.”
Wockhardt Hospitals Ltd. is a chain of tertiary care super-specialty hospitals with facilities in Nagpur, Rajkot, South Mumbai, and North Mumbai. Renowned for its state-of-the-art infrastructure and globally benchmarked practices, Wockhardt Hospitals remains committed to enriching the Quality of Life of patients through safe, compassionate, and expert medical care.
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