Cuttack, July 24 (UDN): In a significant medical achievement, doctors at the Plastic Surgery Department of SCB Medical College and Hospital (SCBMCH) have successfully performed rare reconstructive surgeries on four women diagnosed with Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH), a rare genetic hormonal disorder. The successful procedures have opened the door to improved physical and psychological well-being, enabling the patients to lead healthier and more fulfilling lives.
The four patients—three from Odisha and one from Jharkhand—underwent specialised treatment at SCBMCH after being diagnosed with CAH, a condition that affects hormone production and can lead to abnormalities in sexual development and fertility-related complications.
The surgeries were carried out by a multidisciplinary team led by Prof. Dr. Biswajit Mishra, Head of the Department of Plastic Surgery, in coordination with endocrinologists and other specialists.
Not Gender Reassignment Surgery: Doctors
Clarifying common misconceptions surrounding the procedure, Dr. Mishra stressed that the surgeries were not gender reassignment procedures.
“All four patients were genetically female and carried the 46 XX chromosome. The surgeries were reconstructive in nature and aimed at correcting congenital anatomical abnormalities caused by the hormonal disorder,” he said.
Understanding Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia
According to Dr. Mishra, CAH is an inherited disorder caused by deficiencies or mutations affecting enzymes responsible for steroid hormone production, particularly 21-hydroxylase, 11-beta-hydroxylase, and 17-alpha-hydroxylase.
The enzyme deficiency disrupts normal hormone synthesis, resulting in excessive androgen production and developmental abnormalities. The condition is estimated to affect one in every 5,000 to 10,000 births, making it a relatively rare but clinically significant genetic disorder.
Improved Physical and Mental Well-Being
Doctors said the surgeries, combined with appropriate hormonal therapy, have led to remarkable improvements in the patients’ quality of life.
“All four patients have responded well to treatment and are recovering satisfactorily. Two of them had experienced severe psychological distress and voice changes before surgery. Following hormonal therapy and reconstructive procedures, they have shown significant emotional and psychological improvement,” Dr. Mishra said.
Milestone for Advanced Healthcare in Odisha
The successful treatment highlights the growing capabilities of SCB Medical College in handling complex congenital and reconstructive surgeries. Medical experts said the achievement reflects the institution’s multidisciplinary approach and its commitment to providing advanced care for patients suffering from rare disorders.
Doctors also emphasised the importance of early diagnosis, timely hormonal evaluation and specialised treatment in improving long-term outcomes for individuals affected by Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia.