On a patient with advanced urinary tract tuberculosis (TB), Fortis Hospital in Kolkata successfully performed India’s first laparoscopic repair of the kidney tube (Ureter) and urinary bladder (Laparoscopic augmentation cystoplasty with ileal ureter replacement). On a 48-year-old patient, Dr. R. K. Gopalakrishna, a laparoscopic urosurgeon at Fortis Kolkata, and his team undertook a very difficult and important surgery. According to the available medical records, this surgery is a first for India.

Durgapur resident Ashim Kumar Saha has been receiving treatment at Fortis Kolkata for advanced TB of the urinary tract for the past six months. His kidneys, bladder, and ureter had all been impacted by the illness; they had fibrosed and contracted, completely obstructing the left kidney. His urinary bladder had reduced to a capacity of 150 ml, which is around 1/3rd of its previous size, compared to the typical range of 400 to 500 ml. The patient experienced painful urination, frequent nighttime urinating (nearly eight times), and difficulties passing urine. Only his right kidney was operating regularly because his left kidney’s conduit was blocked.

Due to the complexity and importance of the restoration, physicians have traditionally used open surgery when repairing the ureter and bladder for conditions like this. However, medical professionals at Fortis Kolkata adopted a novel strategy by using the minimally invasive procedure of laparoscopy.

Ashim Kumar Saha, a patient, stated, “My occupation is operating an auto rickshaw. My bladder was smaller due to tuberculosis, and one of my kidneys was partially destroyed. I was in a lot of pain and needed to urinate frequently, which had an impact on my ability to work and earn money. For a quicker recovery and less pain, the physicians at Fortis hospital advised laparoscopic reconstructive surgery. I am not urinating as frequently now that my bladder capacity has improved following surgery.