In 2002, Dr. Vijay Sheel Kumar, Co-Founder of Doctor Kares Hospital coined the term Ozonucleolysis™ to describe treatment of disc prolapse using injection of Ozone in the disc, instead of performing the usual open spine operation, called Microdiscectomy or Laminectomy.

The concept of injecting a gas into a diseased tissue was new not only in India but in a majority of countries worldwide. In Italy, Ozonucleolysis™ was developed as an alternative to open surgery for disc prolapse in certain selected centres with excellent outcome. Dr. Vijay Sheel Kumar travelled to Bologna, Italy at the Ballarea Hospital he trained with Professor Marco Leonardi who had perfected the technique of Ozone injection for disc disorder. Dr. Kumar visited several other centres in Germany, Spain, China and Taipei to look into the variations of their techniques to maximize his knowledge about the procedure.

He developed an operating theatre and had excellent assistance by Anaesthesia colleagues who helped establish a world class facility ensuring safe procedures. With scrupulous efforts and hard work, a smooth running operation was established. Dr. Kumar introduced the technique in 2003 with strict protocol for the treatment after much research. At DKH, over 1,500 procedures have been performed with an incredible success rate. Accurate record keeping and a thorough follow up on all cases was undertaken.

The initial skepticism met by the local medical fraternity was overcome through the validity of this new technology through medical conferences with the stalwarts in the field. Doctor Kares Hospital held a number of international of conferences where over 16 international delegates were invited. This helped promote the cause of Ozonucleolysis™, as there was extensive print and visual media coverage at national and international levels. The story was picked up by Italian media as well.

“Patients were our greatest marketing tool having benefitted from this novel therapy. The incredulity was replaced by wonder and interest and eventually conviction.” – Dr. Vijay Sheel Kumar, Co-Founder, Doctor Kares Hospital and creator of Ozonucleolysis™