India's Pioneering DRG Stimulation Surgery: A Breakthrough in Pain Management

Apollo Cancer Centre in Chennai performs India's first Dorsal Root Ganglion (DRG) stimulation surgery, offering unprecedented relief to a 30-year-old Omani patient suffering from chronic nerve pain. This innovative procedure highlights India's capabilities in healthcare advancements and marks a significant milestone in pain management.

An Omani patient experiencing relentless nerve pain found life-changing relief through India's first Dorsal Root Ganglion (DRG) stimulation surgery, conducted by a team of spine surgeons and pain specialists at Apollo Cancer Centre, Chennai. The procedure utilized cutting-edge spinal cord stimulator technology, marking a pivotal step in pain management advancements, according to a hospital statement.

The 30-year-old patient had been suffering from severe pain in the groin and upper thigh for over two years following surgery for a testicular tumor in Oman. Comprehensive assessments by a multidisciplinary team revealed the pain originated from genitofemoral neuralgia, caused by a damaged nerve in the inguinal region. This condition, affecting the sensory nerves of the upper thigh, proved resistant to conventional pain relief methods.

Innovatively, the ACC team devised a novel approach that involves implanting a spinal cord stimulator targeting the dorsal root ganglion (DRG). This groundbreaking treatment offers hope for patients with chronic nerve-related pain, emphasizing the need for advanced solutions in pain therapy. Chronic pain, affecting millions globally, greatly diminishes quality of life and productivity, underscoring the significance of such medical breakthroughs.

(With inputs from agencies.)