Shija Hospitals celebrates 29 years of advancing keyhole surgery in Manipur

Ranjeeta Yumnam *

Shija Hospitals celebrates 29 years of advancing keyhole surgery in Manipur :: Pix - TSE

Shija Hospitals & Research Institute (SHRI), Imphal, marks 29 years of transformative contributions to Minimal Access Surgery (MAS), redefining surgical care in North East India. Since 1996, Shija has pioneered safe, less-invasive surgical techniques, significantly improving patient outcomes across the region.

The journey commenced on 10th May 1996 with Manipur's first laparoscopic cholecystectomy, performed in collaboration with Dr Pumendu Roy from Kolkata. In 1997, SHRI achieved another milestone with the State's inaugural laparoscopic appendectomy. That same year, the hospital introduced the Harmonic Scalpel (USA), a groundbreaking tool for bloodless surgery, marking its first installation on the Asian subcontinent.

Additionally, SHRI collaborated with Dr Sisir Bhattacharya, a gynecologist from the United States, to perform the region's first laparoscopic-assisted hysterectomy. In 1998, SHRI pioneered endoscopic sinus surgery in Manipur, guided by Dr Sharad Kumar Maheshwari, an ENT surgeon from Delhi.

The year 2000 marked a significant advancement in therapeutic endoscopic care, with SHRI becoming the first in North East India to perform self-expanding metal stenting for esophageal cancer. The institution expanded its capabilities in 2003 by establishing comprehensive endourology services, including ureteroscopy (URS) and percutaneous nephro-lithotomy (PCNL), under the expertise of Dr Atul Goswami, a urologist and transplant surgeon from Delhi.

That year, SHRI also introduced arthroscopic joint surgery, broadening its minimally invasive services. In 2006, SHRI performed Manipur's first laparoscopic nephrectomy, alongside endoscopic thoracic surgery and bronchoscopy. A decade later, on 16th August 2016, the hospital achieved a landmark by conducting a laparoscopic donor nephrectomy for kidney transplantation.

Shija Hospital's commitment to technological advancement was evident in 1997, when it installed diagnostic and therapeutic video endoscopy systems and introduced endoscopic retrograde cholangiopan-creatography (ERCP) following training by Dr Krishna B Rao and Dr Mahesh Goenka. That year, the hospital also implemented an endoscopic rubber band ligation to manage gastrointestinal bleeding.

The addition of an Argon plasma coagulator on 8th November 2021 further enhanced its endoscopic capabilities. In 2009, SHRI introduced Single Incision Laparoscopic Surgery (SILS), offering patients even less invasive options.

The hospital now performs laparoscopic hernia repairs, rectopexy for rectal prolapse, and splenectomy, establishing these procedures in North East India Shija Hospitals has established its authority in Minimal Access Surgery regularly performing advanced procedures like Hiatus Hernia, Achalasia cardia, colorectal cancer, liver tumour, pancreas tumour, whipple's operation etc.

In 2010, SHRI became the first private hospital in Manipur accredited to offer a three-year Diplomate of the National Board (DNB) postgraduate course in General Surgery, nurturing skilled laparoscopic surgeons for the nation. The introduction of Retrograde Intra-Renal Surgery (RIBS) with a Holmium LASER (Karl Storz, Germany) in 2011 advanced urological care, while the adoption of Narrow Band Imaging (NBI) by Olympus in 2012 enhanced endoscopic diagnostics.

In 2017, SHRI performed Manipur's first laparoscopic pancreatic tumor resection and installed cutting-edge systems, including Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) and a Complete Capsule Endoscopy Unit (Pill Cam), revolutionizing gastrointestinal diagnostics. The integration of a 4K video system in 2021 further refined the precision and safety of laparoscopic procedures, reinforcing SHRI's position as a leader in surgical technology.

Additionally, the hospital's installation of a High Definition (HD) camera with an LED light source (Stryker, USA) in 2010 set a benchmark for visual clarity in surgery. Beyond clinical excellence, SHRI has been a beacon of education and collaboration. The hospital conducted live operative workshops during ASIMANICON in 2002, 2011, and 2024, fostering knowledge exchange.

SHRI also trained two surgeons and six nurses from Myanmar in minimal access surgery, contributing to regional capacity building. Dr Jugindra Sorokhaibam, Director of Medical Services, served as President of the Association of MINIMAL Access Surgeons of India (AMASI) from 2020 to 2022 and currently leads the AMASI Safe Laparoscopic Programme as National Director.

His efforts have standardized safe laparoscopic cholecystectomy practices across India and neighbouring countries. Dr Devendra Khwairakpam and Dr Chandragupta Chongtham, esteemed faculty of AMASI, further amplify SHRI's influence in surgical education.

Over the past 29 years, Shija hospitals has performed more than 42,000 keyhole surgeries, delivering benefits such as reduced postoperative pain, faster recovery, and shorter hospital stays. As Shija Hospitals celebrates this milestone, it reaffirms its dedication to advancing minimally invasive surgery, nurturing future surgeons, and serving humanity with compassion and excellence.