Viewers of a BBC show were left amazed tonight after groundbreaking surgery was given to a man who lost half of his skull.
The BBC Two show, Saving Lives in Leeds follows doctors at Leeds General Infirmary, documenting the stories of patients amid the rising pressures on the NHS. In episode three of the emotional show, several stories were shown, including one about a man who had to have part of his skull rebuilt after a traumatic injury.
Neurosurgeon Ryan and his team had two patients on the surgery list, one needing an operation on their spine and the other on their skull. Karl, 49, needed part of his skull rebuilt, after a fall at home caused a severe brain injury.
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He was found unconscious at the bottom of his stairs and was then taken to hospital. He was put in intensive care where surgeons removed a side of his skull to access a life-threatening clot in the brain.
Karl came in as an emergency after a traumatic brain injury, including a shaken brain. The blood clot was removed, and the part of the skull that was taken out was not put back in, just in case the pressure on his brain caused more issues.
After his self-esteem was knocked due to his appearance after the first surgery, doctors booked him in for surgery to rebuild the other side of his skull. Though there is no medical evidence to say that it is dangerous to live with part of the skull missing, doctors felt the choice would help his confidence.
Karl waited more than 18 months for the surgery and after a bit of a wait for a hospital bed, he was ready to have the surgery. After a CT scan, Karl's operation to rebuild the shape of his skull could begin.
Cranioplasty carries a lot of risks and though a fairly straightforward surgery, it requires incredible focus and skill. The first step was to peel back Karl's scalp, which can lead to serious blood loss.
The main risk was a gap in the skull, where blood could accumulate. Surgeon Ryan used an instrument that sealed blood vessels with an electrical current. Without this, life-threatening blood clots could form.
The plate needed to be fit and screwed into position. The plate was successfully put into place and the scalp could be pulled back into position.
After the surgery, his skull returned to a more normal shape and Karl joked "Now I can finally fulfill my dreams of being a model."
Viewers took to social media after seeing the surgery, with many shocked that it was even possible.
@Annie said: "That was amazing to watch."
@Dorev said: "Absolutely incredible skills, concentration and calmness.."
@Laura said: "Just brilliant."
@Manil said: "This programme is bringing back great memories of training @LeedsHospitals "
@Reeno said: "Absolutely unbelievable stuff, never even knew this sort of surgery was possible. God bless our NHS."
@Web said: "What a credit to the nhs I cried watching this episode"
@Sue said: "Just amazing and such a skilled doctor and his team, saving lives indeed - they are true giants."
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