Pune: A 62-year-old retired merchant navy professional who had lost his voice over a year back regained it after a rare surgery.

Around a year ago, Shivaji Mindhe's voice suddenly became strangled amid Adductor Spasmodic Dysphonia' (ASD). The ASD makes it difficult for the vocal folds to vibrate and produce the sound.

He was unable to speak normally as his words were cutting off because of muscle spasms. The doctors mentioned that the cause behind this might be a long period of voice use by him.

However, Mindhe regained the voice after a rare treatment from Pune based Ruby Hall Clinic. Mindhe said, "I am a retired merchant navy professional. I used to work in the engine room. I had to speak in a loud voice with my colleagues. This might have triggered the loss of normal voice in my case. Because of lockdown, I could not undergo the procedure and I had to wait for many months. Meanwhile, I was very worried as I was also suffering from breathlessness. I was unable to get good sleep. As the situation improved, I underwent the procedure and I am happy that I am able to speak normally now."

Dr Lomesh Bhirud, the neurologist from Ruby Hall Clinic, said, "We performed the procedure last month. This rare condition is seen in some cases where there has been heavy voice use. In professions, where there is prolonged voice use, such conditions may occur. The patient's voice is back to normal now. The effect of the procedure stays for around six months. Hence, we will have to repeat the procedure after around every six months."

The procedure was carried by Dr Andrabi under local anesthesia. The EMG guidance provided by Dr Bhirud and bronchoscopic guidance provided by Dr Sneha Tirpude helped to ensure the correct site of injection.