Manipur records its first live laser proctology surgeries as leading colorectal surgeon Dr. Kalyan Kar performs four advanced procedures during a CME workshop in Imphal.
Imphal, July 20: Manipur took a significant step towards adopting advanced minimally invasive surgical care with the successful conduct of the state's first live laser proctology surgeries and Continuing Medical Education (CME) workshop at the American Oncology Institute (AOI), Babina Multispecialty Hospital.
The academic programme, organised by the Association of Surgeons of India (ASI), Manipur State Chapter in collaboration with Cerulean MediVital and sponsored by AR Photoniccs, brought together senior and young surgeons from across the state to witness live demonstrations of laser-assisted procedures for anorectal diseases.
The highlight of the event was the performance of four laser proctology surgeries by renowned colorectal surgeon Dr. Kalyan Kar, a pioneer of laser proctology in India with more than two decades of experience in minimally invasive colorectal surgery. All four operations were completed within approximately two hours on July 19, with the patients receiving surgery and hospital care free of cost.
Bringing Advanced Surgical Techniques to Manipur
The workshop was designed to introduce surgeons in Manipur to modern laser-assisted techniques used in treating common anorectal conditions such as haemorrhoids and fistula.
Unlike conventional surgical methods, laser procedures generally involve smaller incisions, reduced tissue damage, minimal bleeding and faster post-operative recovery, making them an increasingly preferred option in specialised colorectal care.
During the live demonstration, participating surgeons observed the procedures in real time while interacting with Dr. Kar on operative techniques, patient selection and the clinical advantages of laser-assisted surgery.
Organisers said the workshop marked the first occasion in Manipur where surgeons were able to directly observe complex laser proctology procedures performed live by one of India's leading specialists.
Four Complex Cases Successfully Completed
Speaking after the surgeries, Dr. Kar explained that two patients suffering from haemorrhoids underwent Laser Hemorrhoidoplasty (LHP), including one patient with third-degree haemorrhoids and another with second-degree disease.
He said both procedures were completed without blood loss and without creating external surgical wounds.
"The surgeries were clean procedures, and there was no loss of blood," Dr. Kar observed.
The remaining two operations involved patients with anal fistula, including one complicated by an abscess.
According to Dr. Kar, the abscess was first drained before the fistula was treated using laser technology. The fourth patient had a complex fistula that was also managed through a laser-assisted approach.
He explained that one of the major benefits of laser treatment is its ability to preserve the anal sphincter muscles, reducing the risk of incontinence while allowing patients to recover more quickly with less post-operative pain.
"The main advantage of using the laser-assisted technique was that no sphincter muscle was injured during surgery, enabling the patient to retain continence. Because the surgical wound is very small, recovery is faster and pain is significantly reduced," he said.
Opportunity for Skill Development
The live surgery workshop formed part of a broader academic programme aimed at updating surgeons on emerging technologies in colorectal surgery.
Doctors attending the CME participated in discussions covering patient evaluation, laser applications, operative techniques and post-operative management.
Prof. N. Somorjit Singh, Chairman of the ASI Manipur State Chapter, described the workshop as a landmark academic initiative for the state's surgical fraternity.
He said the programme had been organised to equip young surgeons with both theoretical knowledge and practical exposure to laser proctology through expert lectures and live operative demonstrations.
Prof. Somorjit expressed appreciation to Babina Group Chairman and Managing Director Dr. Thangjam Dhabali, AOI Babina Multispecialty Hospital, Dr. Kalyan Kar, the CME faculty members, AR Photoniccs and Cerulean MediVital for supporting the programme.
He also acknowledged the efforts of the executive committee members of the ASI Manipur State Chapter in organising the event and reaffirmed the association's commitment to conducting more advanced surgical training programmes in the future.
Laser Technology Changing Colorectal Surgery
Dr. Thangjam Dhabali, Chairman and Managing Director of Babina Group, said laser-assisted procedures have become one of the most effective treatment options for patients suffering from piles, fistula and fissure.
He noted that the technology offers significant advantages over conventional surgery in selected cases by reducing surgical trauma and improving patient recovery.
Healthcare professionals attending the workshop observed that wider adoption of such technology could improve access to advanced colorectal care within Manipur, reducing the need for patients to travel outside the state for specialised treatment.
Improving Access to Advanced Healthcare
Ajay Chanam, Founder of Cerulean MediVital, said the programme represented an important step in strengthening healthcare capacity in Manipur by exposing local surgeons to internationally accepted minimally invasive techniques.
He noted that having an experienced surgeon conduct live procedures while interacting directly with participants provided valuable practical learning that extended beyond conventional classroom-based training.
According to Chanam, increasing awareness and adoption of laser technology could ultimately benefit patients by offering safer procedures associated with less pain, faster recovery and shorter hospital stays, with some patients able to return home on the same day.
Expanding Modern Medical Technology in the Northeast
Cerulean MediVital, the healthcare support initiative of The Indian Orient 2025, was launched earlier this year with the objective of improving access to advanced medical technologies across the northeastern region, beginning with Manipur.
The organisation works with hospitals and healthcare institutions to facilitate the adoption of modern medical equipment while supporting skill development through workshops, training programmes and continuing medical education.
Medical experts attending Sunday's workshop said the successful conduct of the state's first live laser proctology surgeries demonstrates the growing availability of specialised healthcare services in Manipur and reflects broader efforts to modernise surgical practice through technology-driven training and collaboration.
