PUNE: A 12-year-old girl from Yemen, suffering from a congenital spinal defect, has been given a new lease on life thanks to a groundbreaking procedure performed by doctors in Pune.
Maryam (name changed) had battled meningomyelocele—a birth defect of the spinal cord—since childhood. The condition left her incontinent, socially withdrawn, and unable to attend regular school due to her lack of bladder and bowel control. Over time, it also led to serious complications, including recurrent urinary tract infections, renal osteodystrophy, and eventually chronic kidney disease.
In July 2023, Maryam and her family travelled to India seeking treatment. She was admitted to Inamdar Multispeciality Hospital in Pune under the care of Dr. R.K. Shimpi, a senior urologist and robotic surgeon.
“When Maryam arrived, her condition was critical,” said Dr. Shimpi. “Our first step was to train her mother in clean intermittent catheterization (CIC), which significantly reduced her infections and stabilized her kidney function.”
The turning point came when the medical team decided to perform sacral neuromodulation—a procedure often referred to as implanting a bladder pacemaker. The device sends mild electrical impulses to the sacral nerves, which control bladder and bowel activity, helping re-establish communication between the brain and these organs.
In August 2023, a trial using an external device showed promising results: Maryam experienced a 70% improvement in her symptoms, something she had never experienced before. Encouraged by the outcome, the family agreed to the permanent implantation, which was successfully carried out on August 20, 2024.
Maryam’s recovery was remarkable. By January 2025, she was able to join a regular school for the first time, entering the fifth grade. In April, doctors declared her fully recovered.
“This isn’t just about controlling urine,” said Dr. Shimpi. “It’s about restoring dignity, hope, and the future to a child who had been living in isolation.”
Maryam’s mother shared an emotional reflection: “We had nearly lost hope. Watching my daughter suffer in silence was unbearable. But thanks to Dr. Shimpi and his team, she’s now smiling, talking about school, and dreaming again.”
Dr. Shimpi also highlighted that meningomyelocele is often preventable through proper prenatal care, particularly folic acid supplementation during pregnancy. “Early detection and intervention are critical,” he said.
Maryam’s journey stands as a testament to medical innovation and compassionate care—and a reminder of what’s possible when hope meets expertise.
