Ukrainian specialist doctors in biotechnology Have undertaken special treatment of yet another wounded Ukrainian soldier. A few days ago Roman underwent surgery using modern biotechnology. The uniqueness of this type of surgery is the treatment is to help in reconstruction of affected nerve tissue.
Finance for the cost of treatment was collected by the volunteers of The People’s Project through donations gathered by crowdfunding.
Among other participants in the project «Bioengineering Rehabilitation for Wounded», Roman’s injuries were unique, his spinal cord was affected causing paresis of both legs and feet. This meant that unlike other project participants he requires no regeneration of bone. While the operation went smoothly, talk of reovery is still premature but now the soldier has a chance at least. If successful, it will be a breakthrough in Ukrainian medicine and medicine worldwide.
Roman was injured in the defense of Donetsk Airport. The shock wave created by a shell exploding nearby threw him hard against a wall seriously injuring his back. In the hospital, upon initial examination the extent of the injuries to his spinal cord became clear. Roman was suffering paresis in both legs below the knee. Eighteen months of treatment only confirmed the worst – all hope of restoring movement and sensation seemed lost. Realizing he faced lifelong disability, Roman joined the project Bioengineering Rehabilitation for Wounded. Due to people’s donations, the cost of treatment was paid immediately, and specialists were on hand to assist the soldier.
Doctors are now proceding with caution: nerve cells recover very slowly and about any substantial restoration they can only speak of peripheral innervation. When it comes to the small pathways of nerves, expectations can be years waiting for a reasonable result. If we are serious about spinal cord injury, there is almost no hope. Such injuries almost always confine people to a wheelchair or bed without any hope of recovery.
The use of cellular technology to treat such injuries marks a breakthrough in science and medicine in particular. Until now, all work was limited to theory and broad application had not been attempted. American researchers at the Rush University Medical Center reported last year they were cautiously beginning such case studies. According to them, the introduction of specific stem cells into the site of the injury allows for the intensification and acceleration of the natural process of restoration of nerve tissue with the hope of further returning function to paralyzed limbs.
To date, there are four patients with a neurorehabilitation focus in the project. In particular Yuriy, one of the first participants in the project who has almost completed his basic course of treatment. In 2014-2015 cellular technology was used to restore his humerus, which was completely smashed. That left his bruised spinal cord, which being shot in the spine, his legs were left without sensitivity. This year the project began to restore the fighter’s nerve tissue, and with some success – his legs have become more sensitive and “more alive”. We are waiting for more significant results within a few months.
The use of cellular technology in the treatment of neurotrauma does not give an absolute guarantee of success and full recovery of the patient. But we must understand, this is an alternative to full disability and if treatment is administered the chances of recovery increase.
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