ESD Treatment HAMS Hospital Starts in Nepal
27th January 2026, Kathmandu
Nepal’s medical landscape has reached a historic milestone with the introduction of Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection (ESD) at HAMS Hospital, Dhumbarahi. This advanced, incisionless procedure represents a paradigm shift in how gastrointestinal (GI) tumors and large polyps are treated in the country. Spearheaded by Dr. Bibek Kumar Purbey, a distinguished Consultant Gastroenterologist and Interventional Endoscopist, this service allows patients to access world-class treatment for early-stage GI cancers without the need for traditional, invasive surgery.
ESD Treatment HAMS Hospital
The implementation of ESD at HAMS follows specialized international training received by Dr. Purbey in China, bridging a long-standing gap in Nepal’s interventional gastroenterology services.
Understanding ESD: A Precise Surgical Alternative
Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection (ESD) is a highly technical procedure performed using an endoscope—a flexible tube equipped with a camera and specialized surgical tools. Unlike standard Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (EMR), which often removes tumors in multiple fragments (increasing the risk of leaving cancerous cells behind), ESD allows for “en-bloc” resection. This means the entire tumor is removed in one single, intact piece.
The procedure involves three critical steps:
Injection: A specialized solution is injected into the submucosal layer to “lift” the tumor away from the underlying muscle, creating a safe cushion.
Dissection: Using a high-precision electrosurgical knife, the doctor cuts through the submucosa to separate the tumor from the healthy tissue.
Removal: The tumor is extracted, and the site is closed using metallic clips or sutures if necessary.
Why ESD is a Game-Changer for Nepali Patients
Previously, patients in Nepal with early-stage tumors in the esophagus, stomach, or colon often had to undergo major surgeries that involved removing parts of the organ, or they had to travel abroad to India or Thailand for advanced endoscopic care. The launch of ESD at HAMS Hospital offers several transformative benefits:
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Organ Preservation: Because there are no external incisions, the integrity and function of the stomach or colon are preserved.
Minimal Recovery Time: Patients typically resume a liquid diet within 24 hours and can be discharged much sooner than after open surgery.
High Success Rate: By removing the tumor in one piece, pathologists can more accurately confirm if the cancer has been completely cured.
Economic Advantage: Dr. Purbey notes that ESD at HAMS is approximately one-third the cost of traditional surgery, making advanced healthcare more accessible to the general public.
A New Era of Interventional Gastroenterology
HAMS Hospital is rapidly becoming a center of excellence for advanced endoscopy. In addition to ESD, the hospital recently celebrated the first successful independent Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM) in Nepal, a treatment for achalasia cardia. This series of “firsts” reflects the hospital’s commitment to “Advanced Medicine and Surgery,” ensuring that Nepali citizens no longer need to look beyond their borders for life-saving innovations.
According to the hospital’s recent updates, the first few patients treated with ESD have shown excellent recovery markers and remain under regular follow-up with no signs of recurrence. While minor risks such as bleeding or perforation exist, the specialized endoscopy unit at HAMS is equipped with the latest technology to manage such complications on-site.
Conclusion
The introduction of ESD at HAMS Hospital, led by Dr. Bibek Kumar Purbey, is a proud moment for Nepal’s healthcare sector. By combining precision, safety, and affordability, ESD provides a vital lifeline for those diagnosed with early-stage gastrointestinal neoplasms. It reinforces HAMS Hospital’s position as a pioneer in medical innovation, moving Nepal closer to self-reliance in specialized tertiary care.
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