AIIMS Patna Introduces Bariatric Surgery Service With Landmark Operation
A major milestone in Bihar’s public healthcare system has been achieved as doctors at AIIMS Patna successfully performed their first bariatric surgery, bringing advanced metabolic treatment for obesity into the government healthcare network.
The landmark procedure was carried out on a 24-year-old woman weighing around 110 kg with a body mass index (BMI) above 42, a condition classified as morbid obesity. The patient was also suffering from polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD) and infertility, conditions often linked to severe obesity and metabolic imbalance. Doctors said the surgery represents an important step in making specialised treatment accessible to patients in Bihar who previously had to travel to private hospitals in other states for such procedures. Bariatric surgery is considered one of the most effective medical interventions for severe obesity and related disorders.
The surgical team included doctors Dr Utpal, Dr Basant and Dr Kunal, with mentorship from bariatric specialist Dr Nirupam Sinha of Netaji Subhas Medical College and Hospital in Bihta. The procedure required careful coordination with the anaesthesiology and critical care department due to the high-risk nature of bariatric cases, which often involve complex airway management and reduced lung capacity. Hospital officials said the anaesthesia team, led by Dr Neeraj under the supervision of department head Dr Umesh Bhadani, played a crucial role in managing the patient’s perioperative care and ensuring safe monitoring during the surgery. Bariatric patients typically face increased surgical risks because obesity can affect respiratory function, cardiovascular stability and overall surgical recovery.
The introduction of bariatric surgery services at the institute is part of a broader effort to expand advanced healthcare facilities in the state’s public sector. Executive director Brigadier Dr Raju Agarwal said the move reflects a strategic initiative to address the rising burden of lifestyle diseases such as obesity, diabetes and hypertension. Medical experts note that bariatric surgery is not merely a cosmetic weight-loss procedure but a metabolic treatment that can significantly reduce the risk of long-term health complications. These include type-2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, fatty liver disease, sleep apnoea and joint degeneration. For younger patients, early intervention can improve quality of life and prevent chronic illness in later years.
Following the successful surgery, the institute plans to develop a comprehensive bariatric care programme that will include pre-operative counselling, nutritional guidance, psychological assessment and long-term follow-up for patients undergoing weight-loss procedures. Healthcare observers say the development signals an important shift in Bihar’s medical infrastructure. By introducing advanced metabolic surgery within a government institution, the state is expanding access to specialised treatment and reducing dependence on expensive private hospitals outside the region.
As lifestyle diseases continue to rise across India, initiatives like the bariatric surgery programme at AIIMS Patna could play a key role in strengthening public healthcare capacity and improving treatment options for patients with severe obesity.
