Patna: A three-day national academic programme ‘AVBODHAN 2026’ was inaugurated at AIIMS-Patna on Friday. The programme would focus on surgical innovation, clinical excellence, besides providing Eastern India’s first comprehensive hands-on course on endoscopic skull base surgery.The programme is being organised by the department of ENT along with anatomy and forensic medicine departments of AIIMS-Patna, and PMCH’s department of anatomy, under the aegis of the Association of Otolaryngologists of India (AOI), Bihar and Jharkhand.As one of the region’s first structured cadaver-based training workshops, the course would equip ENT surgeons, neurosurgeons and postgraduate residents with practical skills to manage complex cranial pathologies. Modern minimally invasive techniques are a key focus of the programme, particularly for treating pituitary tumours, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks, sinonasal malignancies and other deep-seated lesions.According to a press release, endoscopic skull base surgery has revolutionised modern surgical care by providing direct access to complex cranial regions through natural nasal passages. Unlike traditional open surgeries that require large incisions and brain retraction, endoscopic methods use high-definition scopes and micro-instruments, said experts. This minimally invasive approach preserves surrounding neural structures, reduces post-operative complications, minimises pain and significantly shortens hospital recovery time for patients, they added.The inaugural session was held under the guidance of Dr Raju Agarwal, executive director, AIIMS-Patna, who highlighted the critical role of interdisciplinary collaboration. The academic leads of the workshop include Dr Kranti Bhavana (head, ENT) and Dr Vijay Kumar (assistant professor, ENT).More than 100 surgeons and expert faculty members from premier institutes, including PGIMER-Chandigarh, AIIMS-Jodhpur, SGPGIMS-Lucknow and Apollo Chennai, are participating in the event. The workshop aims to promote collaborative practices between ENT and neurosurgery specialists.
