RIMS performs complex VATS decortication
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, May 23 2025: The Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Imphal, has achieved a major medical milestone by successfully performing a complex Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) Decortication � a form of advanced key-hole surgery for the chest � for the first time in the institute's history.

According to a RIMS release, the procedure was carried out on May 6 on a 40-year-old male patient diagnosed with stage III multi-loculated empyema thoracis (a large collection of pus in the chest cavity) with trapped right middle and lower lung lobes.

The case was particularly challenging due to dense adhesions, and further complicated by the patient's underlying cerebral palsy and recent recovery from Dengue fever.

RIMS performs complex VATS decortication

The pioneering surgery was conducted in the state-of-the-art modular operating theatre of the Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery (CTVS) Department led by Prof Th Chito Singh, with the anaesthesia team headed by Prof L Pradipkumar Singh.

The team performed the entire procedure using only three small incisions in the chest wall.

The surgery lasted approximately four hours and was completed with minimal blood loss and no need for transfusions.

A post-operative chest X-ray confirmed complete re-expansion of the right lung with no residual collections.

The patient experienced an uneventful recovery and was discharged on the third post-operative day, fully recovered.

This landmark procedure followed another successful VATS case performed at RIMS Hospital on April 24, 2025, where a 50-year-old male patient underwent removal of an intrathoracic tumour (Schwannoma) through VATS � also a first of its kind in the region.

VATS (Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery) is a minimally invasive alternative to conventional open chest surgery (Thoracotomy).

The technique offers several patient advantages, including smaller incisions (0.5�1.5 cm), reduced blood loss, lower risk of infection, less post-operative pain, faster recovery, shorter hospital stay, and improved cosmetic outcomes.

"The success of these procedures was made possible through the exceptional coordination between the surgical and anaesthesia teams, particularly with the use of single lung ventilation and expert perioperative care.

While RIMS CTVS has long been proficient in open thoracic surgeries, the successful performance of VATS Decortication marks a significant leap in minimally invasive thoracic surgery in Manipur," RIMS stated.

RIMS director Prof G Sunil Kumar Sharma commended the entire team for their dedication and innovation.

He said, "This milestone is not only a testament to the skill and perseverance of our healthcare professionals but also underscores RIMS' commitment to bringing advanced, world-class medical care to the people of Manipur and the Northeast region" .

With the continued support of the director and the medical superintendent of RIMS Hospital, the institute is poised to become a regional hub for advanced thoracic and minimally invasive surgeries, the RIMS release added.