Patient Details

Name: Mr. Yayah Kallay

Age: 51 Years

Gender: Male

Country of Origin: Sierra Leone

Doctor: Dr. Jayesh Sardhara

Hospital: Fortis Hospital, Mulund, Mumbai, India

Treatment: Spinal Fixation (D7, D8, D11, D12) with D9-D10 Laminectomy and Biopsy

Watch Mr. Yayah Kallay share his full experience in the video below

51-year-old Mr. Yayah Kallay from Sierra Leone was suffering from a persistent backache that began to travel down both legs. What made it alarming was that his legs grew steadily weaker until standing and walking became increasingly difficult and unsafe. For a man of 51 with a family to support, losing the use of his legs over a matter of weeks was a frightening prospect.

The family knew that delaying treatment could worsen his weakness and lead to further complications. However, finding the right specialist and arranging the necessary investigations and treatment locally within the limited time available was difficult.

India emerged as a possible option, but so did the usual concerns. Which hospital should they choose? Which doctor could they trust? How much would the treatment cost? And how would the family navigate a medical emergency in a country they had never visited before? A local contact familiar with Vaidam Health connected them with the team, giving them a starting point to explore their options.

Mr. Yayah shared his medical reports and scans with the Vaidam team, which were forwarded to specialists in India for review. Within 24 hours, he received expert medical opinions, a proposed treatment plan, and a transparent cost estimate. 

The team explained his medical condition, the proposed surgical procedure, how long he would need to stay in the hospital, and what to expect during treatment. With a clearer understanding of his options, Mr. Yayah decided to proceed with Dr. Jayesh Sardhara, a neurosurgeon at Fortis Hospital, Mulund, Mumbai.

Vaidam then handled the practical side of his medical treatment in India from Sierra Leone. The support included a medical visa invitation letter, airport pickup, help finding accommodation near the hospital, appointment scheduling and hospital coordination, and a dedicated case manager available throughout the stay.

Mr. Yayah travelled to Mumbai with his wife, who stayed with him throughout. He was admitted on 25 September 2026. X-rays and an MRI of the spine with contrast showed an infection of the spinal discs and the bones around them in the mid-back, with the surrounding inflammation pressing on the spinal cord. This is what had been taking the strength from his legs.

Because this kind of infection needs the right medicine as much as the right operation, Dr. Jayesh Sardhara brought in an infectious disease specialist, and a cardiologist reviewed his heart function and cleared him for surgery, with a further cardiac review planned once he recovered. This multidisciplinary assessment was completed within a day of admission.

On 26 September 2026, Mr. Yayah underwent spinal fixation at the D7, D8, D11 and D12 levels with a D9-D10 laminectomy and biopsy. In plain terms, the surgeon removed the bone pressing on the spinal cord to release it, stabilised the spine above and below the diseased segment with implants so it could bear weight safely, and took a tissue sample to identify the organism causing the infection. He tolerated the surgery well.

The biopsy results came back the next day. The infection was tuberculosis of the spine, and testing confirmed it would respond to standard treatment. Anti-tuberculosis therapy was started straight away under the infectious disease specialist, which matters a great deal, since spinal TB is treated over many months with medicine, and surgery alone does not clear it.

Recovery then moved step by step. His drains were removed on 28 September, his catheter on 30 September, and he began regular physiotherapy and getting out of bed with the therapy team. He improved symptomatically and was discharged on 3 October 2026, a week after his operation, on oral medication and a continuing course of anti-tuberculosis treatment.

During his three- to four-week stay in India, his Vaidam team stayed in regular contact with him and his wife, helping with appointments and day-to-day needs during an anxious time. Mr. Yayah returned to Sierra Leone with his medicines, a physiotherapy plan and clear instructions for continuing his TB treatment and follow-up.

Sharing his experience, Mr. Yayah said:

“When my legs began to give way, we were frightened, and nobody at home could tell us what was wrong. A local contact told us about Vaidam, and they acted quickly. Within days, they had doctors' opinions, a plan and a cost we could understand, and they arranged our visa letter, travel, and stay. My wife never had to face anything alone. Dr. Jayesh Sardhara and the Fortis team were patient with all our questions and explained every step to us.”

Mr. Yayah’s journey highlights how timely medical care, the right specialists, and support throughout treatment can make a difficult experience easier for patients and their families. From the first medical consultation to surgery, recovery, and travel back home, the focus remained on helping him receive the care he needed while ensuring that he and his wife felt supported at every step.

Vaidam Health wishes Mr. Yayah Kallay a steady recovery, renewed strength, and many good years ahead with his family in Sierra Leone. It was a privilege to support him and his wife through this journey.