Life can change in an instant. One moment, everything is normal, and the next, something unexpected happens altering the course of one’s future. Such was the case for 66-year-old businessman Gopal Roy from Barasat. A seemingly regular day turned into a never-ending nightmare when he fell off a bike, and a bus ran over his hand injuring it critically.
Rushed from one hospital to another, he and his family were repeatedly met with uncertainty. The initial diagnosis was devastating—his hand was mangled beyond repair, bones shattered, and the possibility of amputation loomed over him. They started to lose hope until he was finally transferred to Manipal Hospital, Salt Lake, where a team of expert surgeons made it their mission to save not just his hand, but his way of life.
Dr. Arya Roy, consultant – orthopaedic (hand & wrist) surgeon, Manipal Hospital, Salt Lake stated, “In cases like these, the focus is often on saving the patient’s life, and limb injuries take a backseat. But in a super-specialty hospital like Manipal, we ensure every part of the body receives the attention it needs. If Mr. Roy had been brought in even a few hours later, we would not have been able to save his hand. The delicate balance of time and expertise made all the difference.”
While his vitals were stable, the damage to his hand was severe. His vitals were stable, but the hand damage was extensive. The operating theater was prepared for a very delicate, high-risk procedure that lasted almost three hours. The goal was obvious—to restore blood flow, stabilise the broken bones, and reconstruct the fingers. The irreparable damage to one of the fingers led to its amputation, but the rest of the hand was salvaged.
The initial surgery was just the beginning. Two days later, Roy underwent another procedure under the care of Dr. Sayed Faizal, consultant- plastic and reconstructive Surgery, Manipal Hospital, Salt Lake. He stated, “The injury was extensive. At first, we suspected that flap coverage might be needed, which is often necessary in severe hand trauma cases. However, when we started the procedure, we found that the hand was in better condition than expected. That being said, skin grafting was required, and we meticulously worked to ensure the best possible outcome. Every step of the way, our priority was to restore function.”
After a few days, Roy had to undergo another surgery to repair some torn tendons and further reinforce the structure of his hand. Day by day, he kept showing remarkable improvements. Small wins like holding a cup, lifting an object, or even merely feeling in control of his fingers became the new achievements in his recovery.
Arpan Roy, the patient’s son, reflected on the ordeal. He shares, “It’s been a long journey, but the way the doctors stood by us made all the difference. When we arrived at Manipal Hospital, we had already been turned away by two other hospitals. The moment we stepped into the emergency room, we knew we were in the right place. Dr. Arya Roy and Dr. Sayed Faizal didn’t just treat my father; they gave us hope. My father’s hand had almost no tissue left in certain areas, but the team refused to give up. They took every possible measure to ensure he would not lose his hand entirely. A special thanks to Dr. Partha Sen, consultant, anaesthesiologist, and his team as well for ensuring my father’s safety throughout the procedure. Their skill and dedication mean that my father now has a second chance.”
Although full functionality will take time to return, the doctors are hopeful. In the coming months, Roy will continue rehabilitation and might require some minor corrective procedures, but the foundation for a strong recovery has been already laid. The hand may not regain its original strength, but in five to six months, his hand will be usable—and that by itself is a victory.