Delhi doctor performs mid-flight emergency procedure, saves passenger from urinary retention

Delhi: A 65-year-old passenger suffering from acute urinary retention was saved when doctors performed a catheterisation procedure mid-flight, draining around 800 ml of urine and alleviating the patient’s discomfort, according to the hospital.

Acute urinary retention is a painful condition in which one is unable to empty their bladder.

According to a statement released by Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh, “Dr Richie Gupta, Head and Senior Director of Plastic, Cosmetic & Reconstructive Surgery at Fortis Hospital Shalimar Bagh, recently demonstrated her commitment to saving lives when she provided urgent medical care mid-flight.”

“While travelling to the UK, Dr Gupta attended to a 65-year-old passenger suffering from acute urinary retention, a painful condition in which one is unable to empty their bladder. Noticing the man’s distress and frequent trips to the washroom, Dr Gupta offered her assistance after learning that the passenger’s discomfort had worsened despite attempts to relieve it using dry ice,” the statement read.

“The flight crew, considering whether to divert the plane, requested Dr Gupta’s help. The passenger was moved to the rear of the plane, where Dr Gupta confirmed a bulging bladder. The man had no prior history of urinary problems but had visited the airport dispensary earlier that day for catheterisation,” it said.

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“With the limited medical supplies available on board, including sterile catheters, xylocaine jelly, syringes, and gloves, Dr Gupta successfully performed the catheterisation procedure, draining around 800 ml of urine and alleviating the patient’s discomfort,” the statement further noted.

Dr Gupta explained, “Urinary retention often occurs in elderly men due to an enlarged prostate. With minimal resources, I was able to drain the bladder, preventing possible complications like infections or kidney damage.”

The timely intervention allowed the flight to continue without further incident, and the passenger was reportedly comfortable for the remainder of the journey.