Agartala, June 26, 2025 – In a medical breakthrough, doctors at Agartala Government Medical College and GB Pant Hospital (GBP Hospital) have successfully performed the first-ever colon interposition surgery in Tripura to treat an oesophageal stricture. This pioneering procedure marks a significant milestone in the state’s healthcare system, offering renewed hope to patients with severe oesophageal conditions.
1. What Led to the First-Ever Surgery? The Patient’s Journey
The patient, Prasenjit Das, a 23-year-old resident of Kaiyadepa, Madhupur in Sepahijala district, suffered a devastating injury in March 2024. After ingesting formic acid—used in rubber processing—his oesophagus was severely burned and completely closed off. Initially treated at Madhupur Primary Health Centre, Prasenjit struggled with daily activities like eating rice or drinking water.
In January 2025, Prasenjit began endoscopic dilatation under Gastroenterologist Dr. Mrinal Debbarma, which provided temporary relief but became ineffective over time. In early June 2025, he was admitted to GBP Hospital. Endoscopic evaluation revealed a complex, refractory stricture. He was placed on an enteral feeding tube as a stop-gap measure.
2. Deciding on First-Ever Colon Interposition: A Life-Saving Procedure
Faced with a stubborn stricture unresponsive to repeated dilatation, the medical team, led by Gastro Surgeon Dr. Dipankar Shankar Mitra and Cardiothoracic Surgeon Dr. Kanak Narayan Bhattacharya, chose colon interposition. This involves replacing the scarred oesophagus with a segment of colon, creating a new passage for food through the chest. The highly complex operation was scheduled for June 5, 2025, in the CTVS Operation Theatre at GBP Hospital – marking a historic first for Tripura.
3. Inside the First-Ever Seven-Hour Surgical Marathon
The surgery, lasting over seven hours, required meticulous coordination:
- Lead Surgeons: Dr. Mitra and Dr. Bhattacharya
- Assistants: Drs. Subhadeep Pal, Kishore, Kiran, and Abhinav
- Anaesthesiologists: Drs. Manimoy Debbarma and Surajit Pal
- Operation Theatre Staff: Physician Assistant Sudipta Mondal, OT Assistants Jaydeep Chakraborty and Ratan Mondal, and nurses Sourav Shil, Mousumi Debnath, and Anna Bahadur Jamatia
A segment of the patient’s colon was mobilised and routed through the chest cavity to replace the oesophagus. Precise anastomoses (connections) were made between the cervical oesophagus and the colon, and between the colon and the stomach, restoring digestive continuity. This life-altering procedure is considered the gold standard when the stomach can’t be used.
4. Post-Operative Status and Progress
After the surgery:
- Prasenjit’s condition remains stable and steadily improving
- He’s begun oral liquid intake
- The upcoming barium CT scan will evaluate the reconstruction
- Discharge and continued care are anticipated soon
The family expressed immense gratitude, and the medical team took pride in achieving this first-of-its-kind success in Tripura. Notably, the treatment was offered free under Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), reflecting a significant win for accessible public healthcare.
5. Why Colon Interposition Matters
Colon interposition is a sophisticated surgical option often reserved for when:
- The oesophagus is irreparably damaged
- The stomach cannot be used as a graft
While technically demanding, it can restore near-normal swallowing function. Clinical studies show that colon interposition provides “satisfactory function” when reconstructing the oesophagus This makes the procedure among the top-tier surgical responses to severe oesophageal injury or disease.
6. A Testament to Local Surgical Excellence
This surgical success represents more than just one life saved – it signals Tripura’s growing capacity in high-end medical care. GBP Hospital now stands as a centre capable of performing complex thoracic surgeries locally, eliminating the need for patients to travel out of state for critical procedures.
7. Future Implications and Impact
- For Patients: Provides an effective local treatment opportunity for advanced oesophageal conditions.
- For the Medical System: Positions Tripura as a hub for complex thoracic and GI surgeries, easing patient burden.
- For Research & Training: Opens doors to advanced surgical training and research in oesophageal reconstruction.
Conclusion
With the successful colon interposition on June 5, 2025, GBP Hospital has made a pioneering stride in Tripura’s medical landscape. The procedure demonstrates how a regional health institution can rise to national-level excellence, offering life-changing care—at no cost—to residents. This landmark event promises brighter futures for many and strengthens the state’s healthcare infrastructure for years to come.
#TripuraMedicalBreakthrough #GBPHospital #ColonInterposition #OesophagusReplacement
#PMJAY #AgartalaHealthNews #CardiothoracicSurgery
