In a major medical milestone for Sikkim, Namchi District Hospital has successfully performed the state’s first-ever endoscopic skull base surgery, marking an important step forward in the availability of advanced medical care within the region. The successful procedure demonstrates the growing capability of government hospitals in Sikkim to handle complex and specialized surgeries locally, reducing the need for patients to travel outside the state for treatment.
The surgery was carried out on a patient diagnosed with Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea, a serious medical condition in which cerebrospinal fluid leaks from the skull through the nose. Doctors explained that the condition was caused by a defect in the right cribriform plate, a thin bone located at the base of the skull. If not treated in time, such a defect can lead to serious complications, including infections that may become life-threatening.
The hospital’s ENT surgical team successfully repaired the defect using a purely endoscopic endonasal technique. This modern surgical method allows doctors to perform the entire procedure through the nasal cavity, avoiding any external cuts or scars. Because the surgery is minimally invasive, it generally results in less pain, faster recovery, and lower risk of complications compared to traditional open surgical methods. Hospital authorities confirmed that the patient is currently stable and under close observation, and recovery is progressing well.
The surgery was led by Dr. Tshering Dorjee Sherpa as the lead surgeon, with Dr. Sarika Chettri assisting in the procedure. Doctors involved in the operation stated that careful planning, teamwork, and the availability of improved medical equipment played an important role in the success of the surgery. The team also acknowledged the support of specialists from Sir Thutob Namgyal Memorial (STNM) Hospital, whose neurosurgeons provided detailed pre-operative evaluation and clearance, ensuring that the procedure could be carried out safely.