Hello,

On July 11th 2014, our 2½ years old son Giulano was scheduled for surgery to correct a malformation of his trachea.

Giulano had been waiting for surgery since January. He needed it to have it done because of recurring respiratory problems. As he got older, he seems to have had a harder time recovering from several infections, recurring croup, pneumonia and accumulation of secretions in his lungs. During the surgery Dr. Puligandla made three sutures in Giulano aorta and attach it to the back of his sternum. Complications arose and Giulano began to bleed in his aorta. Within seconds, he was in cardiac arrest, and Dr. Puligandla had to do direct compressions. Giulano was in cardiac arrest for 5 minutes, until Dr. Puligandla was able to fix the source of the bleeding. Doctors in other surgeries quickly came to help any way they could.

Giulano’s surgery was supposed to last 3 hours. Instead, it was an agonizing 6 ½ hours. The cooperation of such an experienced team meant that he survived against all odds.

Giulano was intubated for 4 days in the ICU and stayed at the hospital for a total of 8 days. Our son was in excellent hands in the ICU. The nurses are guardian angels. They devote themselves completely to their patients throughout their long shifts. They consoled us and reduced our anxiety. Although he was sedated for so many days, they still talked to him while treating him which was reassuring for such a young boy. Thank you!

The doctors at the ICU always kept us informed throughout Giulano’s stay. As parents, we were at his bedside at all hours and they constantly explained to us his progress and reassured us by explaining his diagnosis, procedures and treatments.

We would like to thank all the medical staff who were present at Giulano’s surgery. Words cannot express our gratitude. Some of you spoke to us during our time at the hospital and told us how difficult the situation was. Because of your great teamwork, you gave our son another chance.

Lastly, we would like to thank Dr. Puligandla. We are forever indebted to you. Giulano is back at home with no permanent scars. We truly believe that in life you are not defined by what you do but by who you are as a person. Not only are you a devoted and talented surgeon but you are one of the most compassionate and caring people we know. We don’t personally know you, but we feel that after this experience, you are like family to us. You have worked so hard and sacrified so much throughout your career all so that children can realize their own full potential. You saved Giulano’s life! Thank you!

With profound gratitude,

Chris, Jania, Giulano et Eliana

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