First Endoscopic Skull Base Surgery Successfully Performed at Namchi District Hospital
Namchi, Sikkim | February 16, 2026
Namchi, 16 February:
In a landmark achievement for healthcare in Sikkim, Namchi District Hospital has successfully performed the first ever endoscopic skull base surgery in the state.
The patient was diagnosed with Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea caused by a skull base defect in the right cribriform plate, a serious condition where cerebrospinal fluid leaks through the skull base, posing life threatening risks if left untreated.
The defect was successfully repaired through a purely endoscopic endonasal approach by the ENT team of Namchi District Hospital. The minimally invasive procedure was performed entirely through the nasal cavity without any external incision. The patient is stable and is kept under close observation.
The team extends sincere gratitude to the neurosurgeons of STNM for their expert pre-operative evaluation and clearance, ensuring safe and meticulous surgical planning.
The surgery was performed by:
Dr. Tshering Dorjee Sherpa (Lead Surgeon)
Dr. Sarika Chettri
(Assistant Surgeon)
Special Acknowledgement:
Dr. Noykilla Lepcha, Anesthesiologist, whose expertise and vigilant perioperative care were indispensable to the success of the procedure.
Dr. Aswin Rai, Orthopaedic Surgeon, for assistance in thigh graft harvest.
Staff Nurses: Ms. Sushma, Ms. Nirula and team.
All surgery ward staff nurses, OT staff nurses, technicians, and the anesthesia team of Namchi District Hospital for their coordinated effort and dedication.
This historic milestone eliminates the need for out-of-state referral for such advanced procedures and highlights the expanding capabilities of Namchi District Hospital in delivering specialized, minimally invasive ENT and skull base surgical care within Sikkim.
