NEIGRIHMS achieves milestone in minimally invasive spine surgery

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJuly 3, 2025

In a landmark advancement in spine care, the Department of Orthopaedics & Trauma at NEIGRIHMS has successfully performed two endoscopic lumbar spine discectomies using the Destandau technique — becoming the first public sector hospital in the North East to carry out this cutting-edge, minimally invasive spinal procedure.

The surgery is designed to relieve pressure on spinal nerves caused by herniated or prolapsed discs, which can lead to pain, numbness, or weakness in the back and legs.

Two adult patients from Tripura and Mizoram, both suffering from severe symptomatic lumbar disc prolapse and incapacitating sciatica — a condition where the sciatic nerve is irritated or compressed — benefited from this advanced technique.

The first case was performed by Dr. Sachlang Debbarma, Associate Professor, assisted by Dr. Tashi Khonglah and Dr. Chirag Sharma. The second procedure was carried out by Prof. (Dr.) Bhaskar Borgohain, Head of the Department of Orthopaedics, assisted by Dr. Naveen A.S.

Both patients are recovering well under dedicated nursing and physiotherapy care and are expected to return to their normal daily routines soon.

NEIGRIHMS Director, Prof. (Dr.) Nalin Mehta, commended the surgical team for this milestone achievement and reaffirmed the institute’s growing focus on surgical innovation, academic learning, and skill-based orthopaedic excellence. He added that this success marks the beginning of a new era in minimally invasive spine surgery at NEIGRIHMS.

Routine availability of this keyhole endoscopic spine surgery is expected to significantly reduce treatment costs and hospital stays, owing to its potential for faster recovery.