Ethiopia Patient Undergoes Hybrid Surgery for Aortic Dissection in India

For Yewubdar Ashenafi from Ethiopia, discovering that she had an aortic dissection was a frightening turning point. The diagnosis brought immediate questions about what was happening, how it could be treated, and what she should expect in the days ahead. For Yewubdar and her family, finding the right cardiac team became a priority.

They began looking at treatment options outside Ethiopia and eventually explored cardiac care in India. Her medical reports and imaging were shared with the treating team so that her condition could be assessed and the possible treatment strategy discussed before she travelled.

The term hybrid surgery for aortic dissection was unfamiliar to Yewubdar initially. She wanted to understand why more than one technique might be needed and how the procedure would be planned. A hybrid approach can combine open surgical repair with endovascular stent-graft treatment, depending on the location and characteristics of the aortic disease.

For Yewubdar, those explanations were important because she did not want to travel for treatment without understanding what lay ahead. She asked about the procedure, hospital stay, recovery, and the steps that would follow surgery. Her family was involved in those conversations as they prepared for the journey together.

Travelling from Ethiopia to India was a major undertaking. She was leaving her familiar surroundings while dealing with a serious heart condition, so there was understandably a mixture of anxiety and determination. Once she arrived at the treatment facility, the consultations and pre-operative assessments gave her a clearer idea of the treatment plan.

The hours before surgery were particularly emotional. Yewubdar had already discussed the procedure with the doctors, but knowing that she was about to undergo a major cardiac operation made everything feel much more immediate. Her family stayed close and waited for updates while the procedure was underway.

After surgery, the focus shifted from preparation to recovery. Yewubdar needed time to rest and rebuild her strength. Follow-up care, medication, and gradual activity became part of her routine. She learned not to judge her progress by a single day, but by the small changes that appeared over time.

Having family support made a meaningful difference. Their presence helped her stay encouraged through the quieter and more difficult moments of recovery while she was away from Ethiopia.

For Yewubdar, coming to India was ultimately a carefully considered response to a serious diagnosis. The journey involved difficult decisions, international travel, surgery, and recovery, with her family beside her throughout.

Looking back on her experience, Yewubdar said:

“When I heard the diagnosis, my first thought was my family and how quickly everything had changed. I wanted to understand the treatment before making any decision, especially because the surgery sounded complicated to me. Travelling from Ethiopia was a big step, but the discussions with the doctors helped me feel more prepared. After the operation, I had to learn to be patient with my recovery. I stopped expecting every day to feel different and started noticing the smaller things instead. Having my family nearby gave me the encouragement I needed during that period.”

Thank You
Yewubdar Ashenafi from Ethiopia

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