Kathmandu Model Hospital is committed to providing state-of-the-art surgical care.

BY Newbiz team

Ram, a 52-year-old school bus driver, had been experiencing abdominal pain for nearly a year. However, as time passed, his pain worsened, accompanied by digestive discomfort, deteriorating his health. Eventually, his weakened immune system prompted him to seek medical assistance at Kathmandu Model Hospital in Exhibition Road. After a brief diagnosis, the doctor discovered that Ram had chronic gallbladder stones, leading to recurring pain and digestive discomfort. Ram's complex medical condition required surgical intervention, and he sought treatment at Kathmandu Model Hospital. While traditional open surgery was once the standard procedure for gallbladder removal in his case, the medical team at Kathmandu Model Hospital proposed an alternative approach - minimally invasive surgery.
The surgical team, led by Dr. Sudip Ratna Shakya, MBBS, MS, Fellowship in Surgical Oncology (TMC Kolkata), who specialises in General, Laparoscopic, and Onco Surgery, recommended Ram for a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. This minimally invasive procedure for gallbladder removal was chosen to minimise trauma and promote a faster recovery.
The hospital's commitment to providing state-of-the-art medical care led Ram's medical team to opt for minimally invasive surgeries and interventional radiology procedures, including laser surgeries. These innovative techniques transformed Ram's treatment experience, ensuring faster recovery, reduced postoperative complications, and improved quality of life. The treatment procedure involves making small incisions through which a laparoscope and specialised surgical instruments are inserted. This method significantly reduces postoperative pain, minimises scarring, and expedites the recovery process, according to Dr Shakya.
Furthermore, Ram required a minimally invasive intervention for the management of an abdominal aortic aneurysm—a weakened area in the wall of the aorta. Instead of traditional open surgery, the medical team decided to employ interventional radiology techniques. Using advanced imaging guidance, the interventional radiologist inserted a stent graft through a small incision in Ram's groin. This procedure successfully repairs the aneurysm, eliminating the need for major surgery, shared Shakya.
Furthermore, Ram experienced chronic varicose veins, which caused discomfort, pain, and swelling in his legs. To address this issue, the medical team proposed endovenous laser ablation (EVLA), a highly effective and minimally invasive treatment for varicose veins. During the procedure, a laser fibre was inserted into the affected vein, delivering controlled laser energy to seal the vein shut. EVLA offers a shorter recovery time, less pain, and improved aesthetic outcomes compared to traditional vein-stripping surgery.
According to Dr Shakya, the adoption of minimally invasive surgeries and interventional radiology techniques significantly improved Ram's treatment experience. ”The use of laparoscopic cholecystectomy allowed Ram to recover faster, experience less pain, and return to his normal activities sooner compared to traditional open surgery,” he said
Ram's case at Kathmandu Model Hospital exemplifies the transformative impact of minimally invasive surgeries, interventional radiology, and laser surgeries on patient care. By leveraging these innovative techniques, the medical team ensured faster recovery, reduced postoperative complications, and improved the quality of life for patients like Ram. 
Kathmandu Model Hospital's commitment to adopting advanced medical practices continues to enhance patient outcomes, making it a pioneer in delivering cutting-edge healthcare services. According to Dr Shakya, the use of minimally invasive surgeries, interventional radiology and laser surgeries are specifically experiencing notable growth in Nepal's healthcare landscape. 
Likewise, speaking about the innovative surgical procedures and technologies employed by Kathmandu Model Hospital, Shaky added the hospital has been mainly offering Minimal Invasive Surgeries, Obstetric Fistula Surgeries and Cancer Surgeries. People are generally afraid of surgery, but the surgery team at Kathmandu Model Hospital utilises good support with patient counselling on the risks and benefits of surgeries to convince them to undergo surgeries. With the surgical department as the backbone, the hospital specialises in general and laparoscopic, orthopaedic, nerve surgery, paediatric, head and neck surgery, obstetric fistula and surgical oncologist. 
The highly professional skilled surgeons at Kathmandu Model Hospital are the driving force and set the hospital apart in terms of experience, specialisation, and patient care, according to Shakya. Implementing protocol for the procedure, WHO safety checklist and pre-operative preparation rigorously and the nursing team trained in sterilisation, the hospital prioritises patient safety during the surgical procedures. 
Likewise, to effectively manage surgical scheduling and reduce wait time, the hospital plans to increase the number of operating rooms. Ensuring timely access to surgical care for patients is very important. We are focused on providing slots for various specialities and also increasing the daily number of surgeries, Shakya adds. 
Likewise, as a leading healthcare institution, the hospital follows a comprehensive approach to ensure patient safety and prevent post-surgery complications. The surgical team at the hospital prioritises pre-operative preparation, pre-operative rehabilitation, patient counselling, SSI (Surgical Site Infection) prophylaxis, sterilisation, and good post-operative care to ensure patient safety and prevent post-surgery complications. 
Before the surgery, the hospital ensures that all necessary pre-operative tests and evaluations are conducted. This includes blood tests, imaging studies, and consultations with relevant specialists. 
These assessments help identify any underlying medical conditions that might impact the surgery or increase the risk of complications. Pre-operative preparation also involves educating the patient about the procedure, its risks, benefits, and the expected recovery process, said Shakya. “In some cases, patients may require pre-operative rehabilitation to optimise their physical condition before surgery. This may involve exercises, physical therapy, or lifestyle modifications to improve strength, flexibility, and overall health. Pre-operative rehabilitation can enhance the patient's recovery potential and minimise complications.”
Kathmandu Model Hospital places great importance on patient counselling. The healthcare team provides detailed information about the surgical procedure, its expected outcomes, potential risks, and post-operative care requirements. “We encourage patients to ask questions, clarify doubts, and actively participate in their healthcare decisions. Clear communication helps patients understand what to expect, alleviating anxiety and promoting a smoother surgical experience,” he added.
Surgical Site Infection (SSI) is a potential complication after surgery. To prevent SSIs, Kathmandu Model Hospital follows evidence-based practices for infection control. This includes strict adherence to hand hygiene protocols, sterilisation of surgical instruments, appropriate antibiotic prophylaxis administration, and maintaining a sterile operating environment. Likewise, the hospital provides comprehensive post-operative care to prevent complications and promote patient recovery. It includes close monitoring of vital signs, pain management, wound care, and early mobilisation. 
Nurses and healthcare providers regularly assess the patient's condition, administer medications as prescribed, and address any concerns or complications that may arise. Proper discharge planning and clear instructions for at-home care are provided to ensure a smooth transition to the post-operative phase, he added.
Likewise, the hospital recognises the importance of collaboration and partnerships to enhance its surgical services. It has established collaborative efforts with various healthcare institutions and organisations. “We have a collaborative relationship with Kyushu University in Japan. Through tele-lectures and teleconferences, we facilitate knowledge exchange, continuing medical education, and discussions on advanced surgical techniques,” said Shakya. “This collaboration allows healthcare professionals from both institutions to share expertise, discuss complex cases, and stay updated with the latest advancements in surgical practices.”
Similarly, the hospital also has established ties with SNUBH in South Korea. This collaboration involves knowledge sharing, joint research activities, and capacity building in surgical care. It enables the exchange of ideas, skills, and training opportunities between healthcare professionals from both institutions, contributing to the improvement of surgical services.
In the meantime, the hospital has also recognised the need for accessible healthcare services in remote areas of Nepal. To address this, they have implemented telemedicine initiatives. “Through telecommunication technologies, such as video consultations, remote diagnostic capabilities, and electronic health records, patients in the underserved have access to specialist consultations and receive guidance on surgical conditions. This partnership involves collaborating with local healthcare providers, government agencies, and non-governmental organisations to extend surgical expertise to remote regions,” Shakya added.
Additionally, the hospital collaborates with international non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to enhance surgical services in Nepal. “The partnerships focus on capacity building, training programs, and infrastructure development,” he said. “We have ambitious plans for future growth and advancements in our surgical services. Specifically, we have plans to focus on Cardio-Thoracic Surgeries,”