Patna: The Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (IGIMS) has marked a significant milestone in Bihar’s healthcare system by successfully performing endoscopic disc surgery on spinal nerves — a first for any government hospital in the state. Doctors say the breakthrough has not only saved a young patient’s life but also opened new possibilities for advanced neurosurgical care in public institutions.
According to officials, 27-year-old Ankit Kumar from Banka district was admitted to IGIMS with severe spinal complications. He was suffering from intense pain radiating from the waist to the legs, nerve compression, difficulty walking, and numbness extending from the neck to the hands.
After detailed diagnosis, a specialized neurosurgery team was formed under the leadership of Dr. Samarendra Kumar Singh, Head of the Department of Neurosurgery. The team successfully performed the high-tech endoscopic procedure, ensuring complete stabilization of the patient’s condition post-surgery, institute superintendent Dr. Manish Mandal confirmed.
Dr. Singh said that endoscopic spine surgery is considered one of the most advanced and least invasive treatment options currently available. “The procedure requires only an 8-10 mm incision — about the size of a pencil. With the help of a camera and thin instruments, the surgery can be completed with minimal pain, reduced complications, and quick recovery. Patients are also not required to stay in the hospital for a long duration,” he explained.
In a move that highlights accessibility to modern healthcare for all, IGIMS provided the full cost of treatment under the Ayushman Bharat Card scheme. The medical team involved in the operation included Dr. Brajesh Kumar, Dr. Atif Anwar, and Dr. Akriti, with anesthesia support from Dr. Bablu and Dr. Pallavi.
With this achievement, IGIMS has set a new benchmark in Bihar’s government healthcare sector, strengthening confidence in the growing capabilities of state-run hospitals to deliver cutting-edge medical care.
