
Pune: Doctors in Pune have successfully restored the life of a 28-year-old woman who had lost her ability to urinate due to an autoimmune tumor. By implanting an artificial urinary tract and synthetic sphincter, her persistent urinary leakage stopped completely. Not only did she regain control over her urination, but she also got married, became pregnant, and recently gave birth to a healthy baby. The moment her motherhood was fulfilled, tears of joy rolled down the faces of her husband and mother, said internationally renowned urologist Dr. Sanjay Kulkarni, founder of UroKul-Kulkarni Urosurgery Institute.
At a press conference held at ‘Urokul Hospital’ in Baner, prominent experts including the world’s first female laparoscopic specialist Dr. Jyotsna Kulkarni, gynecologist Dr. Chinmay Umarji from Umarji Hospital, urologists Dr. Pankaj Joshi, Dr. Amit Hosmani, Dr. Shreyas Bhadnanwar, oncologist Dr. Uday Chandanakhede, CEO Dr. Abhay Choudhary, and founder of Baner-Balewadi Medico Association Dr. Rajesh Deshpande were present.
Dr. Sanjay Kulkarni shared, “Anjali, a young woman from Mumbai, came to Urokul Hospital in 2022. She had developed a tumor between her urinary tract and vaginal passage. Her urethra and surrounding tissues had deteriorated, leaving her unable to control her urination. She had to use at least 10–12 diapers daily, suffering not just physically but emotionally as well. The high-dose antibiotics and immunotherapy had rendered her urinary tract non-functional, pushing her future into darkness. However, we offered her hope through two crucial surgeries.”
The Two Critical Surgeries
After extensive tests, doctors found that her urinary passage had completely collapsed. In April 2022, they performed the first surgery, where they reconstructed the urinary tract using tissue from the vaginal area. This allowed her to urinate properly again. However, she still lacked bladder control.
Six months later, in October 2022, they performed the second surgery, implanting an Artificial Urinary Sphincter (AUS)—a state-of-the-art device placed between the urinary and vaginal passage. This helped her regain complete control over urination. After these two successful surgeries, she got married, conceived a child, and just four days ago, she delivered a healthy baby boy.
Successful Delivery Despite the Complexity
Dr. Chinmay Umarji stated, “When Anjali became pregnant, we took extra precautions under the guidance of Dr. Kulkarni and Dr. Joshi. Since the artificial sphincter made childbirth risky, we monitored her closely using advanced ultrasound and diagnostic machines. Finally, we performed a C-section, ensuring the sphincter remained undisturbed. Both mother and baby—who weighs nearly 3 kg—are in good health. Seeing the joy on Anjali’s and her family’s faces has been a fulfilling experience.”
A Mother’s Gratitude
Dr. Pankaj Joshi explained the Artificial Urinary Sphincter surgery in detail, emphasizing how it transformed Anjali’s life. Two years ago, she was hopeless, but now she is a mother, living a normal life. Her mother, overwhelmed with emotion, hugged the doctors tightly and shed tears of gratitude, calling them her saviors.
Speaking via video conferencing, Anjali’s mother and husband expressed their heartfelt appreciation. Her mother shared, “We were devastated when my daughter developed this illness. She had to change diapers multiple times a day, and her skin developed rashes due to continuous leakage. We feared she might never get married. But when we came to Dr. Sanjay Kulkarni, we found hope. The team of doctors who performed her surgeries, ensured a safe pregnancy, and delivered our grandchild are like gods to us. We may not have seen God, but the treatment given to my daughter is nothing less than divine intervention.”
The Need for Cancer Awareness
Oncologist Dr. Uday Chandanakhede highlighted the rising prevalence of cancer and the importance of early diagnosis. He stated, “Cancer is now the second leading cause of death worldwide. One in nine people develops cancer, and 10 million deaths occur annually due to the disease. Changing lifestyles have contributed to an increase in cancer cases. However, early detection can make treatment more effective. Urokul Hospital is equipped with advanced diagnostic and treatment facilities.”
Breast Cancer Prevention Awareness
Dr. Jyotsna Kulkarni emphasized the importance of early breast cancer detection. She advised, “Women over 40 should undergo regular mammograms and self-examine their breasts. If they notice any lumps, they should consult a doctor immediately.”
This groundbreaking medical success not only restored a woman’s dignity and health but also showcased the power of modern medical advancements in improving lives.