Tripura’s First Esophageal Bypass Surgery Successfully Performed at GBP Hospital

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, June 26, 2025

In a milestone for Tripura's healthcare sector, doctors at GBP Hospital have successfully conducted the state’s first esophageal bypass surgery, offering a new lease of life to 23-year-old Prasenjit Das of Madhupur, Sepahijala district.

Prasenjit had accidentally consumed formic acid during a domestic dispute in March 2024, which severely damaged his esophagus. Despite treatment at Madhupur PHC, his condition worsened, leaving him unable to swallow even water.

Referred to GBP Hospital on June 3, 2025, a team led by gastroenterologists Dr. Mrinal Debbarma and Dr. Shubhadip Pal diagnosed a critical esophageal stricture. Initial treatments provided little relief, and a feeding tube was eventually inserted.

Given the severity, the case was handed to the Gastro Surgery department under Dr. Dipankar Shankar Mitra, who, in consultation with Cardiothoracic Surgeon Dr. Kanak Narayan Bhattacharjee, opted for an esophageal bypass surgery. On June 5, the seven-hour procedure was successfully performed by a multidisciplinary team, including Dr. Kishore, Dr. Kiran, Dr. Abhinav, anesthesiologists Dr. Manimay Debbarma and Dr. Surajit Pal, and OT staff.

Surgeons replaced the damaged esophagus with a section of the colon, carefully routed through the chest to the neck while preserving blood flow. The new esophageal pathway is functioning well, and Prasenjit has started consuming liquids.

The patient is stable and expected to be discharged soon following a final scan. The operation, done free under Ayushman Bharat, marks a historic achievement for GBP Hospital.

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