Most of us are aware of a surgical procedure wherein it mostly starts with giving anaesthesia to the patient so that they don’t feel the pain. However, there are certain side-effects of this drug that some people may experience including hypersensitive reactions, in the worst case. Dr Vivekanand S. Rege, Oral Oncologist and a stalwart in oral and dental care who has been associated with forensic dentistry has developed a new technique called VSSR that allows dental surgery without any anaesthesia, antibiotics or other painkiller drugs. We had an exclusive conversation with him to know about this technique in detail and how this will benefit patients.
What is the VSSR technique of surgery?
Dr Rege defines, “The VSSR technique of surgery is a groundbreaking approach to gum surgery, notable for its ability to cut gum tissues without the use of traditional methods like anaesthesia, lasers, hypnosis, acupressure, acupuncture, or even yoga.”
“In typical surgical procedures involving live tissue, the use of anaesthesia is important to numb the area before cutting. The range of anaesthetic options can vary from local topical creams to local injections or even more potent forms of anaesthesia, depending on the specific tissue or organ involved and the extent of the surgical procedure,” he adds.
Moreover, anaesthesia and various medications are often used to control postoperative bleeding. But according to Dr Rege, these medications, while effective, introduce foreign substances into the body and may potentially trigger allergic hypersensitive reactions. Whereas, the VSSR technique eliminates the need for all these drugs, making it a distinct and innovative approach in surgical practice.
What makes this technique different and useful?
“The VSSR technique is different from the traditional method as it eliminates the necessity for external anaesthesia, drugs, or medications during surgery. Despite this lack of conventional medical intervention, it has been established as a surgical method that leads to minimal bleeding, virtually no pain, and negligible post-operative swelling. As a result, there is no requirement for painkillers, antibiotics, or anti-inflammatory medicines,” shares Dr Rege.
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One of the remarkable aspects of this technique is its versatility. Dr Rege explains, “It can be employed for surgical procedures on patients ranging from 4-year-old children to individuals in their 90s. By eliminating the need for anaesthesia, it alleviates patient anxiety and apprehension. Additionally, it enhances efficiency by enabling patients to promptly return to their daily routines, saving valuable man-hours and contributing to the nation's economic productivity. The VSSR technique is also cost-effective when compared to traditional scalpel surgery. Depending on the complexity of the surgical intervention, it can even be performed as a walk-in, walk-out procedure, further streamlining the patient experience.”
In what areas can this surgery prove to be helpful?
Dr Rege answers, “This surgical technique can be useful in almost all the branches of dental surgery involving/ needing surgery e.g. Pedodontia, Oral surgery, Periodontia, Prosthodontia, Orthodontia, Oral pathology, and Oral medicine. It is also useful for patients for whom the use of anaesthesia is done with caution. It may also be used in diabetics, hypertensive, mentally Hyperactive, or retarded patients and can be tried even in other branches of Surgery.”
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Are there any downsides to this method?
No, there do not seem to be any downsides of this method, so far.
While VSSR technique is new, it should be promoted so that more and more people can take advantage of this breakthrough technique.
NOTE- The inputs in this article are doctor’s views.