Greater Noida, 10 April, 2025: Fortis Hospital, Greater Noida, has achieved a historic medical milestone. For the first time in Uttar Pradesh—and for the first time within the Fortis Healthcare Group—a highly complex and rare two-level lumbar disc replacement surgery has been successfully performed by the hospital’s expert team. The rare procedure was carried out on Harpal Singh, a former Indian national medal-winning athlete, who has now fully recovered.

This type of surgery is considered rare globally. According to statistics, lumbar disc replacement accounts for less than 1% of all spine surgeries, and two-level lumbar disc replacement is performed in less than 0.1% of cases worldwide. Until now, only four medical centres in India have executed this complex procedure, with only three hospitals in the Delhi-NCR region being capable of performing it.

The challenging surgery was led by Dr Himanshu Tyagi (Head, Spine and Orthopaedic Surgery), along with Dr Mohit Sharma and Dr Rajesh Mishra. Crucial support was provided by Dr Bhoop Singh (Head, Anaesthesia), Dr Jagdish Chander (Head, Surgery Department), and an experienced vascular surgeon.

41-year-old Harpal Singh had been suffering from chronic lower back pain for several years. Despite undergoing a spine surgery in 2007, his condition deteriorated. Upon re-evaluation, disc degeneration at the L4-5 and L5-S1 levels and spinal instability at the L3-4 level were diagnosed. Considering his relatively young age and active lifestyle, the medical team decided to proceed with spinal fusion at L3-4 and artificial disc replacement at L4-5 and L5-S1.

Dr Himanshu Tyagi explained that the surgery was conducted in two stages using an anterior approach, a technique considered highly complex. This method involves risks to major blood vessels, abdominal organs, and nerves, potentially leading to internal bleeding, paralysis, or long-term disability. However, the experienced team at Fortis Greater Noida successfully carried out the surgery without any complications.
Post-surgery, Harpal Singh was able to walk the very next day and was discharged on the fourth day without any neurological issues. He can now walk independently and climb stairs with ease. The surgery has truly given him a new lease on life.

Speaking about this remarkable achievement,Dr. Praween Kumar, CEO & Facility Director, Fortis Hospital Greater Noida, said: “This groundbreaking achievement reflects the exceptional capabilities of our medical team and the advanced infrastructure at Fortis Greater Noida. Performing a two-level lumbar disc replacement with such precision is a rare feat, and we’re proud to bring this level of care to Uttar Pradesh for the very first time.”

Expressing his gratitude, Mr. Harpal Singh (Patient) shared:“I had almost lost hope after living with constant pain for so many years, I came all the way to India from Canada to get my treatment as the last resort. Thanks to the incredible doctors at Fortis Greater Noida, I feel like I’ve been given a second chance. Being able to walk pain-free again is nothing short of a miracle.”

This landmark success marks a significant milestone for the Fortis Healthcare Group and positions Fortis Greater Noida as an advanced centre for complex spine surgeries.