BABINA Hospital pioneers rare hernia surgery
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, July 26 2025: BABINA Hospital has announced the successful treatment of what it claims to be the world's first documented case of a right-sided adult Bochdalek hernia involving both liver herniation and bowel obstruction caused by a sigmoid colon mass.

According to a press release issued by the hospital, the rare and life-threatening condition was diagnosed in a 59-year-old male patient who was admitted with severe respiratory distress, abdominal pain and nausea.

A CT scan revealed a right-sided diaphragmatic defect through which both the liver and part of the colon had herniated into the chest cavity, compressing the lungs and causing breathing difficulty.

The release further stated that a six-hour high-risk surgery was carried out by a multidisciplinary team led by BABINA Hospital CTVS consultant Dr Sidartha Lukram, in collaboration with the departments of anesthesia, general surgery and critical care.

"We approached the hernia through the chest and successfully returned the liver to the abdominal cavity and repaired the diaphragmatic defect," Dr Sidartha was quoted as saying.

"However, we noticed that the colon was not decompressing.

Suspecting a blockage, we immediately proceeded with an abdominal exploration".

During the follow-up abdominal surgery, the team discovered a mass in the sigmoid colon causing the ob struction.

A proximal colostomy, a surgical procedure that diverts the large intestine to an external opening, was performed, proving life-saving for the patient.

Following the surgery, the patient's oxygen levels improved significantly, and he was extubated the next day.

He went on to make a full recovery, the hospital informed.

"This is the first documented case in the world of a right-sided adult Bochdalek hernia involving both liver herniation and bowel obstruction caused by a sigmoid colon mass, successfully treated through combined thoracic and abdominal surgery," the press release stated, adding "While other cases report obstruction due to strangulation or incarceration of bowel through the hernia, none have documented a colonic mass as the cause of obstruction within such a hernia".

Medical Superintendent of BABINA Hospital Dr Shyamkumar Laishram, credited the successful outcome to strong interdepartmental coordination.

"The speed, skill and teamwork shown by our surgical, anesthesia and critical care teams exemplify what modern, coordinated care can achieve," he stated.

The statement also quoted BABINA.

Group of Companies CMD Dr Thangjam Dhabali Singh describing the achievement as a moment of pride.

"This is not just a medical triumph for BABINA Hospital, but a moment of pride for Manipur and India," he said.

"It proves that with the right expertise and infrastructure, globally benchmarked care is available right here at home.

At BABINA, every life matters" .

Bochdalek hernias are congenital defects usually diagnosed in infants.

Adult presentations, especially on the right side, are extremely rare.

The presence of a sigmoid colon mass in such a case makes it exceptionally complex and medically urgent, the hospital added.

BABINA Hospital said this landmark case underscores its ongoing commitment to advanced clinical care, timely diagnosis, and collaborative treatment of complex medical emergencies.

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