Department of Shalya Tantra (Surgery)
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Surgical Excellence in Ayurveda
Shalya Tantra, one of the eight principal branches of Ayurveda (Ashtanga Ayurveda), is the branch of surgery described in detail by Acharya Sushruta, revered as the Father of Surgery. The term Shalya means a foreign body or factor causing disease, while Tantra refers to its systematic management.
This branch addresses surgical and para-surgical interventions for the removal of disease causes, trauma management, and supportive therapies. Its scope includes wound management, anorectal disorders, urological conditions, cancer care, and integrative surgical approaches.
Our Approach
Therapeutic Methods
Shalya Tantra combines Shastra Karma (classical surgery) and Anushastra Karma (para-surgical methods like Kshara Karma, Agnikarma, Jalaukavacharana, Raktamokshana). It is supported by Bheshaja Chikitsa (medications) and Ahara–Vihara (diet and lifestyle care during recovery).
Holistic Significance
This branch integrates surgical expertise with Ayurveda. Minimally invasive therapies such as Kshara Karma and Agnikarma aid wound healing, pain relief, and detoxification, while Rasayana supports long-term recovery.
Clinical Foundation
The core practices include Shastra Karma (surgery), Anushastra Karma (para-surgical techniques), Vrana Chikitsa (wound care), and Marmachikitsa (trauma and emergency care).
Scope of Shalya Tantra
Management of abscesses, cysts, tumors, trauma, hernia, hydrocele, and urinary stones.
Treatment of Arsha (piles), Bhagandara (fistula), and Parikartika (fissure) using Ksharasutra, Agnikarma, and surgical care.
Comprehensive management of acute and chronic wounds, diabetic ulcers, and burns through Ayurvedic dressings, Shodhana–Ropana therapy, and Rasayana support.
Surgical and para-surgical management of urinary stones, hydrocele, varicocele, and testicular disorders.
Management of fractures, dislocations, and Marmabhighata with splinting, immobilization, and integrated trauma care.
Ayurvedic support in tumor care, surgical excision, pain management, and Rasayana therapy for immunity.
Relief of joint, muscle, and vascular pain through Agnikarma, Raktamokshana, and Jalaukavacharana.
Shalya Tantra parallels modern practices in anorectal surgery (piles, fistula, fissure), varicose vein and ulcer management, urolithiasis, surgical oncology, and trauma care.
Departmental Role & Contributions
- OPD & IPD services for surgical and para-surgical conditions
- Specialized Ksharasutra Unit for anorectal disorders
- Advanced wound care and burn management
- Integration with diagnostic tools such as ultrasound, radiology, and pathology
- UG (BAMS) and PG (MS Shalya Tantra) programs with surgical exposure
- Hands-on training in Ksharasutra, Agnikarma, wound care, and OT procedures
- Clinical postings, live demonstrations, and surgical camps for practical learning
- Clinical research on Ksharasutra, Agnikarma, and wound healing
- Standardization of surgical and para-surgical techniques
- Publications in national and international journals
- Active participation in surgical and Ayurvedic conferences
Key Areas of Specialty
The department is renowned for its expertise in managing complex anorectal conditions with minimally invasive Ayurvedic techniques.
- Arsha (Piles/Hemorrhoids): Ksharasutra therapy, Agnikarma, surgical excision
- Bhagandara (Fistula-in-ano): Globally recognized Ksharasutra therapy
- Parikartika (Anal Fissure): Local applications, Agnikarma, sphincterotomy
Comprehensive care is provided for wounds and ulcers using both surgical and para-surgical measures along with Rasayana support.
- Acute & Chronic Wounds: Dressing, Lepa, Parisheka, Shodhana & Ropana therapy
- Diabetic Foot & Varicose Ulcers: Jalaukavacharana (leech therapy), Kshara application
- Burns & Post-traumatic Wounds: Ayurvedic dressings with Rasayana support
Shalya Tantra offers surgical and Ayurvedic management for urinary and reproductive health concerns.
- Mutrashmari (Urinary Stones): Surgical removal, lithotripsy support, diuretic herbs
- Hydrocele & Varicocele: Shastra Karma with Ayurvedic post-operative care
- Vrushana Roga (Testicular Disorders): Surgical and para-surgical management
The department plays a vital role in the management of benign and malignant tumors with integrative approaches.
- Granthi & Arbuda (Benign & Malignant Tumors): Excision, Kshara Karma, Rasayana support
- Cancer Pain Management: Agnikarma, Jalaukavacharana, herbal analgesics
Specialized trauma care integrates Ayurvedic and surgical methods to manage emergencies effectively.
- Fractures & Dislocations: Splinting, bandhana, immobilization, post-fracture care
- Marmabhighata (Vital Point Injuries): Emergency interventions and surgical management
- Accident & Wound Care: Integrated trauma services
Targeted para-surgical therapies provide relief from chronic pain and inflammatory conditions.
- Sandhigata Vata (Osteoarthritis), Gridhrasi (Sciatica): Agnikarma for joint and muscle pain
- Vatarakta (Gout, Hyperuricemia): Raktamokshana (bloodletting therapy)
- Varicose Veins & Swelling: Jalaukavacharana
Ayurvedic care enhances surgical outcomes and helps prevent recurrence of conditions.
- Pre- and post-operative care with Ayurvedic formulations
- Rasayana therapy to improve immunity and recovery
- Lifestyle modifications for long-term health
The department blends Ayurvedic methods with modern diagnostic and surgical practices for comprehensive care.
- Use of Ksharasutra and Agnikarma with modern anesthesia and asepsis
- Integration of modern diagnostics for accurate surgical planning
- Collaborative management of chronic diseases with evidence-based Ayurvedic interventions