Nepal Health News, Chitwan-BP Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital, located in Chitwan, has successfully performed surgery for 'Myasthenia Gravis' using advanced technology for the first time in Nepal. The operation, carried out on a 22-year-old woman from Dang on Jestha 8 (May 21), was made successful through the use of this new technique.
A team of doctors led by senior cancer specialist and thoracic and laparoscopic surgeon Dr. Binay Thakur was involved in the surgery. According to Dr. Thakur, this is the first time such a procedure has been performed in Nepal. The entire operation was conducted through a minimally invasive approach, using a small incision in the abdomen with the help of a camera (laparoscope).
Traditionally, this type of surgery required inserting a tube into the windpipe, deeply sedating the patient, and making multiple incisions. However, Dr. Thakur explained that this new method avoids those steps. He stated, “From now on, surgeries can be regularly performed using this technique.”
‘Myasthenia Gravis’ is a neuromuscular disorder that causes muscle weakness, and such surgeries require special precautions. According to Dr. Thakur, avoiding the use of muscle relaxants during the surgery can help prevent the need for prolonged ventilator support afterward.
Anesthesiologist Dr. Reshmi Thapa, who was also involved in the surgery, stated that the procedure used a 'non-intubated' technique. She explained, “This time, general anesthesia was used to sedate the patient without completely paralyzing the muscles, which significantly reduces the risk.”
While Myasthenia Gravis can affect people of all ages, it is more commonly found in individuals under 25 and over 60. Globally, the disease is observed in about 1 in 100,000 people annually.
Dr. Shivaji Paudel, Executive Director of the hospital, credited the success of the surgery to the technology and equipment received through Chinese collaboration. Dr. Vijay Nyaupane, Chairperson of the hospital, praised the coordination between the surgical and anesthesia teams that made the operation successful.
