Manipal Hospital Mukundapur Helps Bangladeshi Woman Walk Again After Years of Pain and Kidney Damage

Kolkata: In a remarkable success story of multidisciplinary medical care, Manipal Hospital, Mukundapur has restored mobility to a 66-year-old Bangladeshi woman, Sreema (name changed), who had been wheelchair-bound for years due to severe knee pain and chronic kidney failure caused by long-term use of over-the-counter painkillers.

The hospital’s orthopaedic and nephrology teams worked together to plan and execute a complex bilateral total knee replacement surgery under the supervision of Dr. Sutanu Hazra, Senior Consultant & HOD – Orthopaedics. The surgeries were conducted on 1st and 3rd July 2025 and required meticulous planning due to the patient’s compromised kidney function. Dr. Ritesh Kauntia, Consultant – Nephrology, Transplant Physician, closely monitored her renal stability during and after the surgery. The efforts were supported by experienced anaesthesia and post-operative care teams.

A Journey from Pain to Mobility

Years of self-medication with painkillers had left Sreema with kidney failure and immobility. Surprisingly, just a day after the knee surgeries, she was able to walk with support—a milestone she had not achieved in years. She is now recovering well and is scheduled for a kidney transplant in the coming weeks.

Dr. Ritesh Kauntia explained:

“Over-the-counter painkillers and alternative medicines are a major cause of kidney damage. When this patient came to me for kidney transplantation, we realized it was critical to first address her knee pain to stop future painkiller use and protect the new kidney. The knee surgeries were essential to ensure long-term success after transplantation.”

The Dangers of Self-Medication

Dr. Sutanu Hazra highlighted the broader implications:

“This patient’s condition is a stark reminder of the dangers of ignoring chronic joint pain and resorting to prolonged self-medication. Not only did the painkillers lead to kidney failure, but they could have caused irreversible damage to her heart and digestive system as well. Early orthopaedic consultation could have prevented this situation. It is deeply rewarding to see her walking again, thanks to the collaborative efforts of our team.”

Key Takeaways

This case underscores the importance of:

• Early medical consultation for chronic joint pain.
• Avoiding unsupervised use of painkillers, which can lead to severe kidney, heart, or liver complications.
• Multidisciplinary treatment approaches, which can dramatically improve patient outcomes.

Manipal Hospital, Mukundapur’s success in treating Sreema not only restored her mobility but also gave her a renewed chance at life, paving the way for her upcoming kidney transplant.