Shillong, 23 August: Medanta – The Medicity, named Best Private Hospital in India by Newsweek for six years in a row, strengthened its outreach in the North Eastern region, bringing specialized expertise to Shillong with a focus on managing injuries to the brachial plexus, as well as a conclave on computer-assisted plastic surgery, which is primarily used for the reconstruction of the head and neck.

The two sessions -- organised in collaboration with the Meghalaya branch of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) and the Meghalaya Medical Services Association -- were conducted by Dr. Rakesh Kumar Khazanchi, Chairman, Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery at Medanta – The Medicity. The initiative underscores Medanta’s commitment to making world-class healthcare accessible across the country while driving medical excellence and patient education.

The brachial plexus is a group of nerves that sends signals from the spinal cord to the shoulder, arms, and hands. An injury to this network of nerves occurs when the arm is forcibly pulled or stretched, leading to the nerves getting stretched, squeezed, or ripped from the spinal cord. This can trigger reduced motor skills, loss of sensation in the area, and in extreme cases, the inability to use the hand or arm.

Brachial plexus injuries can occur during birth, affecting around 3 in every 1,000 births, and among young adults in India, is a fairly common injury, mostly sustained during a vehicular accident while riding a two-wheeler. 

Dr. Khazanchi specializes in brachial plexus surgery, along with plastic surgery, reconstructive surgery, re-plantation of amputated parts, and the treatment of vascular malformations, and plays a pivotal role in providing advanced surgical solutions to patients seeking reconstructive procedures.

In Shillong, Dr. Khazanchi spoke on the topic “Brachial Plexus Injury - Principles of Management”. He said surgery is the best option to treat brachial plexus injuries, with the timeframe of surgical repair an important factor for recovery.

Dr. Rakesh Kumar Khazanchi, Chairman, Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery at Medanta – The Medicity, said, “If treated within six months, the outcomes are favourable for the restoration of essential motor functions. Nerve tissue grows slowly, so the final results of surgery can take months to be seen. In the meantime, physical therapy is essential to prevent joint and muscle stiffness.”

IMA Meghalaya branch President Dr. C Daniala, Honorary Secretary Dr. Bhaskar Borgohain, MMSA President Dr. Macmillan Surong, and MMSA Honorary Secretary Dr. Return Pohsnem were among those present at the event.

Dr Khazanchi also spoke on computer-aided plastic surgery, a procedure in which surgeons use advanced computer software to create 3-D models of a patient’s face and skull.

Speaking on the topic “Computer Aided Plastic Surgery - Contemporary State of Art”, he said, “Virtual surgical planning is transforming craniofacial reconstruction. Using advanced computer software, surgeons can create highly accurate 3-D models of a patient’s face and skull. These models allow doctors to study the anatomy in detail, plan osteotomy (bone cuts), and even simulate the movement or rearrangement of bones and soft tissue before entering the operating room. This ensures a precise understanding of how surgery will affect both function and appearance, while also reducing uncertainties during complex procedures.”

Dr Khazanchi added, “The technology also supports execution in the operating theatre. With computer guidance, cutting guides can be 3D-printed to fit a patient’s unique anatomy, ensuring that bone cuts are exact. Patient-specific implants (PSIs) can be designed and manufactured in advance, improving both accuracy and outcomes. Increasingly, AI is also being used to refine planning, predict tissue behavior, and assist surgeons in achieving optimal reconstruction. Together, these tools help doctors deliver safer, more predictable, and life-enhancing results for patients.”