Now endoscopic spine surgery at the trauma center
Nepal Health News, Kathmandu: Endoscopic spine surgery (minimally invasive spinal surgery using an endoscope) is now set to begin at the National Trauma Center. This advancement is expected to make treatment more convenient for patients.
According to the center’s chief, Dr. Badri Rijal, the necessary equipment has already been imported, and three doctors have received training in China. The service is planned to commence this month.
This type of surgery involves making a small incision to treat compressed nerves in the spine. The advantages include minimal scarring, reduced bleeding, and shorter hospital stays for patients.
Dr. Rijal stated that although the procedure is expensive, the government will provide it to patients for NPR 100,000. Senior orthopedic specialist at the center, Dr. Rajesh Chaudhary, emphasized the importance of timely spine surgery, noting that injections alone do not offer a permanent solution, making surgery necessary.
Additionally, the center has been performing knee and hip joint replacements for patients with severe joint issues that make walking difficult. Around 10 to 15 joint replacement surgeries are being conducted every week. The center also provides services for neurosurgery, head injuries, orthopedic issues, and soft tissue tumors.
However, the lack of a rehabilitation center to transfer patients after treatment remains a challenge. This results in prolonged hospital stays and affects the admission of new patients. The center is currently looking for land in Godavari, Lalitpur, to establish a rehabilitation center. Plans are in place to start this service on a rented space within this year.
Moreover, the center is also planning to launch MRI services starting this year. Currently, the hospital has an ICU, High Dependency Unit, and modular operation theaters in operation.
Around 500 patients visit the hospital daily for treatment. In the fiscal year 2081/82, over 114,000 patients were treated, out of which approximately 7,800 underwent surgery.
