Saif Ali Khan is ‘out of danger’ after sustaining major injury due to a lodged knife in his spine; Expert explains post-surgery recovery process

Dr Niraj Uttamani, chief operating officer, Lilavati Hospital said in a press statement, “Fortunately, Mr Saif Ali Khan’s surgery has been done very well. He is on a recovery path, the operation is over and he has been shifted to the ICU. He will be shifted to the normal ward in a day or two. After that, he can be taken care of. The injuries were deeper but our doctor and medical team have managed well.”

He sustained a major injury to the thoracic spine due to a lodged knife in his spine, the statement read. “Surgery was performed to remove the knife and also repair the leaking spinal fluid. There were two other deep wounds, on his left hand and right side of the neck which were repaired by the plastic surgery team led by Dr Leena Jain. He was also monitored by Dr Srinivas Kudva, the cardiologist. He is completely stable now recovering and out of danger,” said Dr Nitin Dange, neurosurgeon, Lilavati Hospital Mumbai.

As we wish him a speedy recovery, let’s understand the road to recovery.

Knife stab injuries can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. “Post-surgery, the road to recovery can be challenging and varies from person to person,” said Dr Narender Singla, lead consultant, internal medicine, CK Birla Hospital, Delhi.

Immediate Post-Surgery Recovery (0-48 hours)

After surgery, patients are closely monitored in the intensive care unit (ICU) for at least 24 -48 hours.

Short-Term Recovery (2-6 weeks)

Once stable, patients are transferred to a general ward for further recovery. During this period:

– Patients may experience pain, discomfort, and limited mobility.
– Wound care and dressing changes are crucial to prevent infection.
– Patients may require assistance with daily activities, such as bathing, dressing, and using the bathroom.
– Follow-up appointments with the surgeon and other healthcare professionals are essential to monitor progress.

Long-Term Recovery (6 weeks-6 months)

As patients progress, they can expect:

– Gradual improvement in mobility and strength.
– Return to normal daily activities like work, school, or household chores.
– Continued follow-up appointments to monitor wound healing and address any concerns.
– Potential psychological counseling to cope with the trauma.

He underwent surgery (representative) (Source: Pexels)

Potential complications

While recovering from knife stab injuries and surgery, patients may experience:

– Infection: Wound infections, pneumonia, or sepsis can occur.
– Bleeding: Internal bleeding or hematoma formation can happen.
– Nerve damage: Nerve injuries can result in numbness, tingling, or weakness.

Tips for a smooth rehabilitation

To ensure a smooth recovery:

– Follow the surgeon’s instructions and attend follow-up appointments.
– Adhere to wound care and dressing change instructions.
– Engage in gentle exercises like deep breathing, stretching, and walking.
– Prioritise rest and avoid strenuous activities.
– Seek support from family, friends, or a therapist to cope with emotional trauma.

Recovery from knife stab injuries and surgery requires patience, resilience, and a comprehensive care plan. By understanding the recovery process, potential complications, and tips for rehabilitation, patients can navigate this challenging journey and regain their physical and emotional well-being.

The incident occurred when Saif attempted to intervene after an intruder allegedly confronted his house help. The actor sustained six stabs with two deeper ones, out of which one is closer to his spine. Dr Jalil Parkar of Lilavati Hospital told SCREEN that Saif was stabbed at his Bandra home and was admitted to the hospital at 3:30 am. “Saif Ali Khan was stabbed by an unidentified person at his Bandra home and was brought in at 3:30 am. Saif has six stabs, and two are deep. Of this, one is close to the spine. He is being operated upon by a team of doctors led by neurosurgeon Dr Nitin Dange, cosmetic surgeon Dr Leena Jain, anesthesiologist Dr Nisha Gandhi,” he said.

Saif, married to Kareena Kapoor Khan, is the son of former India cricket captain Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi and actor Sharmila Tagore.

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.