A neurosurgeon has warned that an Australian woman injured in a motorcycle accident in Bali would be unable to return home because of fluid build-up near her brain.
Former Seaworld worker Rebecca Ode, 36, was rushed to Ngoerah General Hospital following the accident on a road in Nusa Lembongan at around 1am on Tuesday.
Ms Ode, from Newcastle, north of Sydney, suffered broken bones to her face, head and collarbone, and is likely to lose her right eye.
The woman underwent a 14-hour surgery on Tuesday night but has since regained consciousness on the Indonesian resort island.
“She woke up and said, ‘What happened to me?'” neurosurgeon Professor Tjokorda Gde Bagus Mahadewa told Daily Mail Australia.
Dr Mahadewa said that while her family wanted to bring her home, flying would be difficult for her given the delicate nature of her injuries.
“If the family wants to evacuate her right now, she would have to be transported by air ambulance, because there may be some fluid trapped inside the skull,” he said. ABC.
“If you can wait longer here, you could fly out in two weeks in business class, so that depends on the family and the insurance company,” he said.
Former Seaworld worker Rebecca Ode, 36 (right, with her family) was rushed to Ngoerah General Hospital after the accident occurred at around 1am on Tuesday in Nusa Lembongan.
Transport from Bali to Australia could cost more than $100,000 for a private air ambulance, and Ms Ode’s family has previously said her medical bills already exceed $60,000.
“With an air ambulance she could be back in Australia in three to four hours, but if she waits two weeks we will scan her skull again to make sure the fluid trapped in her skull has cleared and she can travel lying down comfortably,” Dr Mahadewa said.
Ms Ode initially underwent a CT scan before being referred to a neurosurgeon, a plastic surgery specialist, an ophthalmologist and an orthopaedic specialist.
“We did a number of things, including correcting the bones in his head. He had also suffered a brain leak,” Professor Mahadewa told the Daily Mail Australia.
‘We then did some correction on her face and nose because it was all broken. An ophthalmologist also intervened to treat her right eye, while an orthopedic specialist performed surgery on her bones.
‘The ophthalmologist has said that it is possible that his eye cannot be saved.
“She also suffers from amnesia. She has no memory of the accident at all.”
Nusa Penida Police Chief Ida Bagus Putra Sumerta confirmed that Ms Ode had been involved in a motorbike accident and that an investigation was underway.
The police chief said the road he was traveling on was in good condition.
According to a police report, his Yamaha scooter collided with a parked motorcycle.
She underwent a 14-hour surgery on Tuesday night but has since regained consciousness.
Ms Ode was enjoying a break on the small island south-east of Bali when she was injured.
His family previously said they did not know what had happened to him.
“We have no idea how the injury occurred… there was no alcohol… and the extent of his injuries is quite traumatic,” said his brother-in-law Jesse Wilton. news.com.au.
Ms Ode suffered structural damage to her face that will leave her disfigured for the rest of her life.
“He’ll lose an eye or two, and he has titanium plates in his collarbones,” he said.
Mr. Wilton said in a GoFundMe organised for Ms Ode who is a “strong and loving daughter, aunt and friend (who) urgently needs to be medically evacuated home from Bali for continued treatment”.
Ms Ode is likely to lose her right eye, which was severely damaged in the accident (her CT scan pictured).
“Bec needs the best medical care possible as soon as possible, which means getting her home,” Wilton wrote, adding that her hospital bills have already surpassed $60,000.
Ms Ode’s mother Shari and sister Jordyn “are by her side in Bali and while her recovery process is unknown, we know that Bec will continue to fight her best battle with her strong will and determination,” she said.
Jordyn wrote on Facebook: ‘It’s scary to think that it’s all but confirmed that he has lost vision in one eye.
‘The impact completely removed his eye from his head and the damage was so severe that they were not sure they could save his eye.
“Her nose was split in half and the cartilage was destroyed. Her face had to be reconstructed and I am desperate to get her home to get professional help.
“Orthopedic surgeons repaired his collarbone and shoulder, which were also damaged. He now has a metal plate to hold his collarbone together.”
Jordyn said Rebecca went to Bali “in search of peace after two extremely painful years following the passing of our father.”
In addition to the initial medical expenses, the cost of bringing Ms Ode back to Australia is expected to be enormous.
Once she is cleared to board a plane, a medical flight to Sydney and transfers to Newcastle are expected to cost more than $120,000.
“Once she returns home, Bec will likely have to go on a long rehabilitation journey. We estimate it will cost in the region of $250,000 just to get back to Australia,” Wilton said.
Ms. Ode’s insurance coverage is unknown but is being investigated.
As of Friday evening, more than $168,000 had been raised for Ms. Ode.
Ms Ode suffered fractures to her face and collarbone in the accident.