Apollo Cancer Centre (ACC) in Chennai has achieved a groundbreaking milestone by performing India’s first Dorsal Root Ganglion (DRG) stimulation surgery using a spinal cord stimulator. This innovative procedure brought life-changing relief to a 30-year-old patient from Oman who had endured chronic pain for over two years, marking a new era in advanced pain management techniques in India.
The patient suffered from debilitating pain in his groin and upper thigh following surgery for a testicular tumor in Oman. Diagnosed with genitofemoral neuralgia—a condition caused by damage to the genitofemoral nerve—he had found no relief through conventional treatments. After a thorough evaluation, specialists at Apollo Cancer Centre devised a cutting-edge approach, implanting a spinal cord stimulator to target and alleviate nerve pain.
The DRG stimulation procedure is minimally invasive and focuses on the dorsal root ganglion in the spinal cord, effectively blocking pain signals from the damaged nerve. The patient experienced immediate relief, marking a transformative moment in his recovery journey.
Patient Testimonial
“After two years of unrelenting pain, I can finally live without suffering,” said the patient, who chose to remain anonymous. “This surgery has given me a new lease on life, and I’m forever grateful to the doctors at Apollo Cancer Centre for their care and innovation.”
Expert Insights
Dr. Appaji Krishnan, Senior Consultant in Spine Surgery, and Dr. Anand Murugesan, Pain Specialist at ACC, led the pioneering procedure. Speaking about the achievement, Dr. Krishnan said, “Chronic pain can severely impact quality of life, particularly when standard treatments fail. This novel approach allows us to directly address the source of pain, offering sustainable relief and enabling patients to regain their mobility and independence.”
Leadership Remarks
Dr. Preetha Reddy, Executive Vice Chairperson of Apollo Hospitals, hailed the accomplishment as a testament to India’s leadership in healthcare innovation. “This groundbreaking surgery showcases the potential of Indian healthcare to provide transformative solutions for global patients. Chronic pain management remains a challenge worldwide, and we are proud to set a new benchmark with this achievement,” she said.
Suneeta Reddy, Managing Director of Apollo Hospitals, added, “At Apollo, we are committed to redefining spine care and pain management. This milestone underscores our dedication to adopting advanced medical technologies to improve patient outcomes and quality of life.”
Transformative Impact
Unlike conventional treatments that often rely on long-term medication, DRG stimulation offers sustainable relief with minimal recovery time, enabling patients to resume daily activities almost immediately. This breakthrough paves the way for advanced pain management strategies across India and sets a precedent for addressing neuropathic pain globally.
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