Thursday, 9 July 2026 MUMBAI EDITION LIVE

Mumbai Doctors Save Woman With Rare Food Pipe Rupture

70-year-old woman treated with advanced therapy, avoids major surgery. Rare condition caused by forceful vomiting.

Mumbai Alert · City Desk
Mumbai Alert · City Desk
City Desk · Mumbai Alert News · Thu, 09 July 2026 at 07:23 pm
Mumbai Doctors Save Woman With Rare Food Pipe Rupture

A 70-year-old woman from Parel, Mumbai, was successfully treated by doctors at Gleneagles Hospital Mumbai for a rare and life-threatening rupture of the food pipe, known as Boerhaave syndrome. The woman, Manjula Shah, was admitted to the hospital after experiencing severe chest pain, difficulty swallowing, and breathlessness following an episode of forceful vomiting.

The patient's condition was diagnosed through investigations, which revealed a large perforation in the lower oesophagus. This allowed food and infected material to leak into the chest cavity, triggering a serious infection. Dr. Shankar Zanwar, Senior Consultant Gastroenterologist at Gleneagles Hospital, explained that such tears are rare but can become life-threatening due to the risk of severe infections and complications.

The medical team opted for a less invasive approach, using advanced endoscopic vacuum therapy and an innovative fat-grafting technique, due to the patient's age and existing infection. Dr. Zanwar said, "We decided to perform Endoscopic Vacuum Therapy (EVT), an advanced technique that promotes healing. A specially designed vacuum-enabled tube was placed endoscopically at the site of the defect to continuously remove infected fluids and stimulate healthy tissue growth."

The vacuum system was replaced every three to four days, and the patient underwent five to six treatment sessions over several weeks. Although the cavity reduced significantly, a small residual opening remained. To close the remaining defect, the medical team harvested a small amount of the patient's own fat tissue from her thigh, processed it, and injected it into the residual defect.

The patient was discharged after nearly a month in stable condition. Her son, CA Bhavesh Shah, expressed gratitude towards the doctors, saying, "The entire experience was frightening because we never imagined that vomiting could lead to such a serious condition. The treatment required patience and multiple procedures, but the doctors explained every step and gave us confidence throughout the journey."

Dr. Bipin Chevale, CEO of Gleneagles Hospital Mumbai, said, "This case demonstrates the importance of advanced medical innovation and collaborative care in managing highly complex conditions. We are delighted to see Shah recover well and regain her quality of life."

Boerhaave syndrome is a rare condition that requires prompt medical attention. The use of advanced endoscopic vacuum therapy and fat-grafting technique in this case highlights the importance of innovative medical approaches in treating complex conditions. The success of this treatment also underscores the value of collaborative care and multidisciplinary approaches in managing rare and life-threatening conditions.

The patient's recovery is a testament to the expertise and dedication of the medical team at Gleneagles Hospital Mumbai. The use of advanced medical techniques and innovative approaches has improved the patient's quality of life and avoided the need for major surgery.

In conclusion, the successful treatment of Manjula Shah for Boerhaave syndrome is a significant medical achievement that demonstrates the importance of advanced medical innovation and collaborative care. The case highlights the need for prompt medical attention and the value of innovative medical approaches in treating complex conditions.

The medical community in Mumbai and beyond can learn from this case, which showcases the potential of advanced endoscopic vacuum therapy and fat-grafting technique in treating rare and life-threatening conditions. The success of this treatment also emphasizes the importance of multidisciplinary approaches and collaborative care in managing complex medical cases.

Overall, the treatment of Manjula Shah is a remarkable example of medical innovation and expertise, and it is a testament to the high standard of medical care available in Mumbai. The case will likely be studied by medical professionals and researchers, and it may contribute to the development of new treatments and approaches for rare and life-threatening conditions.

In the future, the use of advanced endoscopic vacuum therapy and fat-grafting technique may become more widespread, and it may improve the treatment outcomes for patients with Boerhaave syndrome and other complex conditions. The success of this treatment also highlights the need for continued investment in medical research and innovation, as well as the importance of collaborative care and multidisciplinary approaches in managing complex medical cases.

The patient's recovery is a significant achievement, and it is a testament to the expertise and dedication of the medical team at Gleneagles Hospital Mumbai. The case will likely be remembered as a notable example of medical innovation and expertise, and it may inspire future medical breakthroughs and advancements.

For Mumbai residents, this case highlights the importance of seeking prompt medical attention for any symptoms or conditions that may seem unusual or severe. The city's medical community is equipped with the latest technologies and innovative approaches, and patients can benefit from the expertise and dedication of medical professionals like those at Gleneagles Hospital Mumbai.

In summary, the successful treatment of Manjula Shah for Boerhaave syndrome is a significant medical achievement that demonstrates the importance of advanced medical innovation and collaborative care. The case highlights the need for prompt medical attention and the value of innovative medical approaches in treating complex conditions, and it is a testament to the high standard of medical care available in Mumbai.

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