In a significant boost to public healthcare infrastructure, Vadodara's state-run Sir Sayajirao Gaekwad Hospital (SSGH) has acquired a cutting-edge surgical microscope for its orthopaedics and spine surgery department. This installation positions SSGH among the select few government hospitals in the region equipped with such high-end microsurgical technology.
A CSR Initiative Bringing High-Tech Care
The advanced Carl Zeiss OPMI Vario S8 operating microscope was installed under a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative by Schott Poonawalla. The project was carried out under the guidance of Dr Ranjan Aiyer. This move is set to democratize access to modern surgical techniques for patients relying on the public healthcare system.
Revolutionizing Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
The new device is a game-changer for Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (MISS). These procedures, performed through small incisions, demand extreme precision. According to hospital authorities, the microscope provides the crucial high-resolution visualisation, excellent depth of field, and shadow-free illumination needed to clearly see delicate structures like nerve roots, discs, and blood vessels.
Professor and head of orthopaedics Dr Hemant Mathur and assistant professor Dr Shaishav Shah emphasized that this technology will allow surgeons to perform controlled dissection and precise decompression with greater accuracy. This enhanced visualisation is expected to significantly improve surgical safety by reducing the risk of injury to nerves or soft tissues.
Benefits Beyond the Operating Theatre
The microscope's features extend its utility beyond patient care. Its motorized zoom and focus allow surgeons to adjust views without interrupting the procedure, improving workflow efficiency. The ergonomic design also supports surgeon comfort during long, complex operations.
Furthermore, as SSG Hospital is a major government teaching institution, the microscope will play a pivotal role in postgraduate teaching and surgical training. Dr Mathur noted that the system's versatility means it can be utilized across orthopaedic spine, neurosurgical, and other microsurgical procedures, ensuring wide departmental use.
Dr R G Aiyer, Medical Superintendent of the medical college and SSG Hospital, stated that this addition reflects the institution's commitment to elevating both patient care and medical education. He affirmed that the CSR-supported initiative strengthens Vadodara's public healthcare by enabling safer, more precise, and technologically advanced orthopaedic and spine care for all patients.
