India Adopts Advanced Stem Cell Therapy for Fistula Treatment at Amrita Hospital, Kochi
Kochi: Amrita Hospital, Kochi, has introduced a new chapter in regenerative medicine in India by performing the country’s initial commercial use of allogenic mesenchymal stem cells for treating a perianal fistula.
The procedure was carried out on a 52-year-old man from Ernakulam who had struggled with recurrent fistulas despite undergoing five previous surgeries. After conventional treatments failed to provide lasting relief, the medical team proposed a cell-based therapeutic approach aimed at promoting natural healing and tissue repair.
The team opted to use allogenic mesenchymal stem cells, cells known in regenerative medicine for their unique ability to repair and regenerate damaged tissues. The surgery was performed by Dr. Riju R. Menon, Professor, Department of General Surgery; Dr. Anoop Vasudevan Pillai, Associate Professor; and Dr. Eldho Isaac from the Department of Anaesthesiology.
They used a commercially approved stem cell preparation specifically developed for managing complex perianal fistulas linked with Crohn’s disease. Throughout the process, all regulatory and ethical standards were carefully adhered to.
According to hospital officials, the patient responded well to the procedure and is currently under close follow-up with promising early signs of recovery. The doctors highlighted that the use of allogenic mesenchymal stem cells represents a new option for patients who have not benefited from repeated surgical or medical management of fistulas.
Experts in the field noted that this development positions India among a small number of countries exploring stem cell-based therapy for complex perianal fistulas associated with Crohn’s disease. They believe such innovative applications could broaden the scope of regenerative medicine, offering potential benefits in other difficult-to-treat conditions as well.
This step offers renewed hope for individuals living with chronic perianal fistulas—a condition that often causes significant pain, discomfort, and recurrence. The successful implementation of this therapy may signal a gradual shift toward more advanced, minimally invasive, and biologically restorative approaches in future medical care.
Kanchan Chaurasiya joined Medical Dialogues in 2025 as a Media and Marketing Coordinator. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Arts from Delhi University and has completed certifications in digital marketing. With a strong interest in health news, content creation, hospital updates, and emerging trends, Kanchan manages social media, news coverage, and public relations activities. She coordinates media outreach, creates press releases, promotes healthcare professionals and institutions, and supports health awareness campaigns to ensure accurate, engaging, and timely communication for the medical community and the public.