Irfan Tramboo
SRINAGAR, Dec 26: The Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Soura, has achieved a major surgical milestone by successfully performing J&K’s first minimally invasive, scar-free thyroid surgery
The procedure was carried out by the Department of General and Minimal Invasive Surgery under Prof. Dr. Ajaz Ahmad Malik, Head of the Department and the Division of Endocrine and Breast Surgery.
The surgery involved a technically complex remote-access minimally invasive technique for removal of the thyroid gland, eliminating the need for a visible neck incision.
Officials said the approach represents a major leap in minimally invasive and laparoscopic surgery and has drawn appreciation at both state and national surgical forums for its precision, reduced postoperative trauma, and improved patient recovery outcomes.
“It marks a significant advancement not only at the SKIMS, but J&K as well,” they said.
As per the doctors, the department has so far successfully completed more than 25 endoscopic thyroidectomies using this modified remote-access technique, significantly enhancing its minimally invasive surgical capabilities.
Unlike conventional endoscopic thyroidectomy procedures that depend on specialised and costly equipment, doctors noted, the innovative method employs standard laparoscopic instruments, making it more cost-effective and accessible across a wider range of healthcare settings.
Doctors informed that a procedure that typically costs several lakhs of rupees outside J&K is now available at SKIMS, attributing the development to innovative modification and advanced laparoscopic expertise of the SKIMS surgical team.
Congratulating the team, Director SKIMS Prof. M. Ashraf Ganie, said such breakthroughs reflect the institute’s commitment to innovation and excellence in patient care.
The procedure was led by Prof. Dr. Ajaz Ahmad Malik along with a team comprising Prof. Munir Wani, Dr. Gowhar Aziz, Dr. Bilal A. Wagay and Dr. Azher Mushtaq (MCh Endocrine Surgery), supported by Dr. Zubair, Dr. Rahil and other team members.
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