BPKIHS launches radiofrequency ablation, DEXA scan services

KATHMANDU: BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences (BPKIHS) in Dharan Sub-Metropolitan City, Sunsari district has announced the launch of two advanced treatment services to enhance patient care across eastern Nepal.

The institute has introduced radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for chronic pain and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scanning, reinforcing its commitment to adopting cutting-edge medical technologies.

The RFA service, led by the Department of Anaesthesia, is the first of its kind at BPKIHS and targets patients whose chronic pain has failed to respond to conventional medication. In its inaugural procedure, clinicians successfully performed RFA of the gasserian ganglion to treat trigeminal neuralgia, a debilitating nerve disorder characterised by intense, stabbing or tearing pain on one side of the face. By delivering targeted radiofrequency energy to ablate the problematic nerve fibres, the technique offers long-lasting relief and reduces reliance on analgesics.

Performed under C-arm fluoroscopic guidance, the service combines precision with safety and is expected to benefit individuals suffering from conditions such as facet-joint pain of the spine, sacroiliac joint pain, arthritis-related pain in the knee or shoulder, occipital neuralgia, various neuropathic and cancer-related pains, as well as chronic vascular or post-surgical pain. With careful patient selection and specialist expertise, BPKIHS aims to improve patients’ quality of life through more effective, sustained pain control.

Alongside the RFA service, BPKIHS has begun daily DEXA scans at its Orthopaedics OPD to assess bone density and strength. This non-invasive radiological test enables the early diagnosis of osteoporosis and other bone-weakening conditions in older adults and is increasingly important for younger patients presenting similar risks. Timely screening allows clinicians to initiate appropriate treatment sooner, helping to prevent fractures and long-term disability.

A circular issued by the hospital director sets out the fee structure for the DEXA scan, which takes immediate effect.

These new services underscore BPKIHS’s dedication to patient-centred innovation and its ongoing efforts to provide world-class diagnostics and treatments close to home.