Pune: Doctors in Pune have successfully restored the urinary function of a 28-year-old woman who had lost bladder control due to an autoimmune tumor, allowing her to regain a normal life.
Following the innovative procedure, which involved the implantation of a new urinary tract and an artificial sphincter, she not only overcame a severe medical condition but also went on to get married, conceive, and recently give birth to a healthy baby.
The complex surgical procedure was performed at UroKul-Kulkarni UroSurgery Institute, Baner in collaboration with Umarji Hospital, Baner marking a first-of-its-kind medical success in India.
The case was discussed at a press conference held at UroKul Hospital, Baner, where experts, including the World's renowned Urologist Dr. Sanjay Kulkarni, World's first lady laparoscopy surgeon Dr. Jyotsna Kulkarni, gynecologist Dr. Chinmay Umarji, urologists Dr. Pankaj Joshi, Dr. Amit Hosmani, Dr. Shreyas Bhadranwar, oncologist Dr. Uday Chandankhede, CEO Dr. Abhay Chaudhari, and Dr. Rajesh Deshpande, President of Baner-Balewadi Medical Association were present.
Dr. Sanjay Kulkarni shared that the patient, Anjali, a young woman from Mumbai, first approached UroKul in 2022 after developing an Auto Immune tumor between her urinary tract and vaginal canal, which led to the complete dissolution of her urethra.
The loss of bladder control forced her to rely on 10–12 diapers daily due to continuous urine leakage. Prior treatments, including antibiotics and immunotherapy, further deteriorated her condition, making her future uncertain.
Faced with a complex and rare case, the medical team opted for a two-stage surgical intervention:
First surgery (April 2022): A new urinary tract was reconstructed using vaginal tissue, restoring the ability to pass urine but without bladder control. Second surgery (October 2022): An artificial urinary sphincter—an advanced medical device—was implanted between the urinary tract and vaginal canal, enabling complete bladder control.
The procedures were successful, allowing the patient to regain a fully functional urinary system. She later got married, conceived naturally, and, four days ago, delivered a healthy baby boy.