KGMU Doctors Successfully Remove ‘Wandering Bullet’ from 3-Year-Old Girl’s Brain

Doctors at King George’s Medical University (KGMU), Lucknow, performed a highly complex neurosurgery to save a three-year-old girl whose brain had been penetrated by a bullet that continuously shifted its position, posing a life-threatening risk.

The incident dates back to December 16, 2025, when the young girl sustained a gunshot injury to the left frontal region of her skull. A CT scan performed approximately four and a half hours after the injury showed the bullet lodged in the upper part of her brain. However, by the following day, when she was brought to KGMU for further treatment, a repeat CT scan revealed that the bullet had migrated deeper into the basal area of the brain.

According to Dr. Ankur Bajaj, Head of the Neurosurgery Department, the bullet’s constant movement made the situation extremely critical, as it posed a serious risk of damaging vital blood vessels and nerves. CT angiography confirmed that the bullet continued to move, eventually reaching the occipital region, making this case an extremely rare instance of a “wandering bullet.”

During the surgery, the team faced the primary challenge of the bullet’s unpredictable location. Using intraoperative fluoroscopy, doctors tracked the bullet in real-time, allowing them to safely extract it with minimal damage to the surrounding brain tissue.

Post-surgery, the girl was admitted to the pediatric ICU, where she is reported to be more alert and showing steady signs of recovery.

The surgical team included Dr. Ankur Bajaj, assisted by Dr. Anup K. Singh, Dr. Ankan Basu, and Dr. Shraddha, under the guidance of Department Head Prof. B.K. Ojha. Anesthesia was administered by Dr. Monika Kohli and Dr. Neelkamal. Vice-Chancellor Prof. Sonia Nityanand congratulated the team for their exceptional work.

This extraordinary success highlights the advances in neurosurgical technology and the dedication of medical professionals in handling rare and life-threatening cases, giving hope to families in critical situations.