(ANSA) - ROME, MAY 17 - A paraplegic surgeon who lost the use
of his legs due to a midollary hemangioma or spine tumour at the
age of 17 is able to operate thanks to a special chair that
raises him up and down, the first case in Italy and the third in
the world.
Paolo Anibaldi, 58, had been operating in a wheelchair in his
early career, until 1996, but then a friend proposed the design
of a chair that could keep him upright.
He has now been appointed head of health services at a hospital
in Olbia in Sardinia, where his experience will be put to good
use.
"Being named new health director is a stimulating professional
and human challenge," said Anibaldi on Friday.
"We must keep responding in a concrete way to the needs of
citizens". (ANSA).
Paraplegic surgeon operates thanks to special lift-up chair
Paolo Anibaldi, 58, lost use of legs at 17 due to spine cancer