India’s First Dorsal Root GST Brings Relief to Chronic Pain Patient

Chennai, November 21: A groundbreaking medical procedure has brought life-changing relief to a 30-year-old patient from Oman suffering from debilitating chronic pain. Doctors at Apollo Cancer Centre (ACC) in Chennai successfully performed India’s first Dorsal Root Ganglion (DRG) stimulation surgery using a spinal cord stimulator.

The innovative procedure, conducted by a multidisciplinary team of spine surgeons and pain specialists, represents a new frontier in pain management. It offers hope to patients with chronic, nerve-related pain that has proven unresponsive to conventional treatments.

The Patient’s Journey

The patient had endured constant pain in the groin and upper thigh for over two years following surgery for a testicular tumor in Oman. After extensive evaluation, the pain was traced to the genitofemoral nerve, a primarily sensory nerve supplying the upper thigh. Damage to this nerve during surgery caused a condition known as genitofemoral neuralgia, which left the patient in severe, unrelenting pain.

The Groundbreaking Procedure

Chronic pain, defined as pain lasting longer than three to six months, affects millions worldwide. According to the Global Burden of Disease Study, up to 20% of the global population experiences chronic pain, with India reporting a prevalence of around 19% among adults. Such cases significantly impact quality of life and productivity, with post-surgical nerve pain being among the most difficult to treat.

Recognizing the need for an innovative solution, the ACC team developed a novel approach. By implanting a spinal cord stimulator to target the Dorsal Root Ganglion (DRG)—a cluster of sensory nerve cells—the team successfully blocked pain signals originating from the damaged nerve.

“This first-of-its-kind procedure in India demonstrates the potential for advanced pain management techniques to restore hope and improve quality of life for patients suffering from unmanageable pain,” the hospital said in a statement.

A New Chapter in Pain Management

The success of this surgery marks a significant milestone in India’s healthcare innovation, showcasing the country’s ability to deliver cutting-edge medical solutions. The DRG stimulation procedure offers a viable treatment for patients whose lives have been severely disrupted by chronic nerve-related pain.

The Apollo Cancer Centre team’s achievement not only highlights India’s advanced healthcare capabilities but also sets a precedent for future breakthroughs in pain management.