In a remarkable medical breakthrough, a rare brain bypass surgery performed at Manipal Hospitals in Baner, Pune, has given 32-year-old software engineer Hemant Gawande a new lease on life — and with it, the unexpected return of his lost vision.
Gawande, who had been battling repeated ischemic episodes for months, began experiencing sudden, temporary blackouts and weakness on the left side of his body.
The episodes escalated under minor stress conditions like dehydration or low blood pressure. After suffering a stroke that robbed him of vision in one eye, he was left grasping for answers and relief.
Doctors identified a complete blockage in his right middle cerebral artery (MCA), raising suspicions of Moya Moya disease—a rare and progressive cerebrovascular condition that leads to the narrowing of brain arteries and is more common in young Asians.
Traditional treatment options, including stenting, were ruled out due to the absence of visible distal blood flow. Faced with this complex challenge, the surgical team led by Dr Amit Dhakoji, Head of Neurosurgery, opted for a superficial temporal artery to middle cerebral artery (STA-MCA) bypass—a delicate and rarely performed operation.
“This surgery involves rerouting a healthy artery from the scalp to bypass the blocked artery and restore blood supply to the affected brain region,” explained Dr Dhakoji.
The results were nothing short of astounding.
“The moment I regained sight in my eye after the operation—it felt like a miracle,” said an emotional Gawande during a press briefing, accompanied by his wife and daughter. “I’ve not only regained vision but also strength and confidence.”
Dr Dhakoji confirmed that the frequent strokes have ceased and the patient is expected to improve steadily over time.
The successful surgery was a result of the combined efforts of Dr Shrey Kumar Shah and an interdisciplinary team who employed advanced surgical techniques and state-of-the-art imaging.
“This is a shining example of what modern medicine can achieve when expertise, innovation, and collaboration come together,” said Anand Mote, Cluster Director, Manipal Hospital, Baner.
From near-blindness and recurring strokes to recovery and renewed hope, Gawande’s story is not just about a rare disease or a complex surgery — it is a testament to resilience, medical excellence, and the life-saving power of precision care.
