Actor Saif Ali Khan's surgery update: 2.5-inch knife removed, spinal fluid leak sealed

Mumbai: Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan suffered a serious injury to his thoracic spinal cord after a knife became lodged in his spine. Surgery was performed to remove the 2.5-inch-long knife and repair his leaking spinal fluid, according to a doctor at Lilavati Hospital. 

Dr Nitin Dange, who is overseeing Saif’s treatment, confirmed that the actor is now completely stable and out of danger. Saif sustained at least six injuries after an intruder attacked him at his residence in the early hours of Thursday. In addition to the spinal surgery, the medical team also carried out plastic surgery to treat deep wounds on his hand and neck.

Saif Ali Khan was admitted to the hospital around 2 am on Thursday with injuries sustained during an assault. "Saif Ali Khan was admitted to the hospital at 2 am with alleged history of assault by some unknown person. He sustained a major injury to the thoracic spinal cord due to a lodged knife in the spine. A surgery was performed to remove the knife and repair leaking spinal fluid. Two other deep wounds on his left hand and one other on his neck were repaired by the plastic surgery team. He is completely stable now. He is recovering well and out of danger now," Dr. Dange explained.

Dr. Niraj Uttamani, the Chief Operating Officer of Lilavati Hospital, stated that Saif has been moved to the ICU for a one-day observation period, but initial reports suggest he will make a full recovery. He confirmed that Saif had sustained two deep wounds, two intermediate injuries, and two abrasions.

"Saif Ali Khan's operation has been successful. His neurosurgery and plastic surgery are completed. He has been shifted to the ICU from the Operation Theatre for one-day observation. After that, we will decide tomorrow. Right now, he is looking fine. He is on a recovery path. The recovery should be 100 per cent as per our initial understanding. There are two deep wounds, two intermediate and two abrasions. We have removed a 2.5-inch long knife piece from his spine," he said.

Dixit Gedam, DCP Zone 9 of Mumbai Police, reported that the attack appeared to be an attempted robbery. The assailant reportedly entered the actor's residence via a fire escape staircase. The police are continuing their investigation, with 10 detection teams working on the case. A formal offence has been registered at the Bandra Police Station. 

The incident occurred when the intruder confronted Saif's maid at his residence in the 'Satguru Sharan' building in Bandra. When Saif intervened to de-escalate the situation, the confrontation turned violent, resulting in the actor’s injuries. He was immediately rushed to Lilavati Hospital for treatment.

(with ANI inputs)