NEIGRIHMS Performs Scarless Thyroid Surgery Using Endoscopic Technique

By - Admin 06 Sep, 2025 Comments (0) 2 Mins Read

Shillong, Oct 27: The Department of Anaesthesiology and Critical Care, NEIGRIHMS, Shillong, successfully conducted a one-and-a-half-day CME-cum-hands-on workshop titled “Learn, Scan, Block – Exploring the Role of Ultrasound in Pain Management” on October 25 and 26, 2025. The workshop was attended by around 45 delegates from various medical institutions across the region. Ten eminent faculty members from reputed institutions across India led the academic sessions and practical training over the two days. The sessions were highly interactive, with enthusiastic participation from all delegates. Participants benefited greatly from the insightful lectures and hands-on experience, which enhanced their understanding and skills in ultrasound-guided pain management techniques. Director of NEIGRIHMS, Prof. Nalin Mehta, congratulated the Department of Anaesthesiology and Critical Care for organizing the workshop, emphasizing its importance in improving the quality of life for patients suffering from chronic pain, particularly those affected by cancer. The Organising Committee expressed heartfelt gratitude to Prof. Mehta for his constant encouragement and unwavering support, which played a pivotal role in the successful conduct of the workshop.

Shillong, September 6, 2025: In a breakthrough development, doctors at the North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (NEIGRIHMS) have successfully performed a novel thyroid surgery on a young woman suffering from thyroid cancer.

The procedure, known as Endoscopic Thyroidectomy (Remote Access Thyroidectomy), was carried out without any incision on the neck. Instead, laparoscopic instruments were inserted through the patient’s armpit and chest, allowing the thyroid gland to be removed through a small hidden incision.

Dr. Caleb Harris, Additional Professor of Surgical Oncology, who led the procedure, said that half of the patient’s thyroid gland was removed as it contained a cancerous tumour. He added that the patient recovered quickly and was discharged the very next day.

Highlighting the importance of the procedure, Dr. Suvamoy Chakraborty, Medical Superintendent, NEIGRIHMS, said that with improved survival rates in thyroid cancer, the focus has shifted to ensuring a better quality of life. “A surgery without a visible scar on the neck encourages more young people to come forward for treatment,” he noted.

NEIGRIHMS Director, Dr. Nalin Mehta, congratulated the surgical team and revealed that the institute is in the process of acquiring a surgical robot to facilitate more such complex procedures with enhanced safety.

Dr. Nari Lyngdoh, Head of the Department of Anaesthesiology, emphasised that advanced procedures like this demand specialised anaesthesia techniques. He assured that the department is fully equipped to provide the necessary support for such high-end surgical interventions.