Diplomat Correspondent
Jammu, The Department of Pediatric Surgery at AIIMS Jammu has achieved a remarkable milestone— performing over 250 successful surgeries within a short span of just over a year—marking a new era in specialized child healthcare for Jammu and Kashmir. The department has also established a state-of-the-art Pediatric Urodynamic Study (UDS) Laboratory, the first of its kind in the region, reinforcing its position as a leader in advanced pediatric diagnostics and treatment.
These achievements highlight AIIMS Jammu’s rapid rise as a center of clinical excellence and innovation, driven by the visionary leadership of Executive Director and CEO, Prof. (Dr.) Shakti Kumar Gupta. His unwavering commitment to bringing tertiary-level healthcare to the region has paved the way for high-end medical services that previously required families to travel to distant centers.
Led by Dr. Vijay Kumar Kundal, Additional Professor and Head of the Department, the Pediatric Surgery unit has demonstrated exceptional capability across a wide range of complex pediatric conditions — from congenital anomalies to critical neonatal surgeries. The surgical team, supported by Assistant Professor Dr. Lucky Gupta and the first batch of M.Ch. Pediatric Surgery residents with the institute being the only centre for MCh training — Dr. Shaik Rizwan Ahmed, Dr. Vikas, and Dr. Manish Tiwari, Nursing team led by Mrs. Marvi, Ms. Anuradha — continues to deliver meticulous care with precision and compassion.
The department has successfully performed intricate procedures such as exstrophy bladder repairs, ureteric reimplantations, ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt placements, pyeloplasties, and major gastrointestinal surgeries, alongside routine pediatric operations including hypospadias correction, hernia repairs, and orchidopexies.
Its newly established Urodynamics Lab is a groundbreaking initiative for Jammu region. This advanced diagnostic service measures bladder pressure, capacity, and function, helping identify urinary disorders like Neurogenic bladder dysfunction. With early diagnosis, children suffering from these conditions can now receive timely and tailored treatment within Jammu itself — eliminating the need for long-distance medical travel and safeguarding kidney health with accurate and evidence-based care.
The department also conducts regular outpatient services and awareness programs to educate families about the importance of early detection of pediatric surgical conditions. Over 2,800 children have already benefited from outpatient consultations and follow-ups. To support comprehensive pediatric care, the department became the first superspeciality department at AIIMS Jammu to start a 10-bedded independent ward in June 2025, enhancing patient comfort and recovery outcomes.
Pediatric surgery encompasses a broad range of specialities, including:
Neonatal and congenital surgery: Repair of tracheoesophageal fistula, gastroschisis, omphalocele, and diaphragmatic hernia.
Pediatric urology: Management of hydronephrosis, posterior urethral valves, vesicoureteral reflux, and bladder exstrophy.
Hepatobiliary and gastrointestinal surgery: Treatment of biliary atresia, choledochal cysts, and intestinal atresias.
Thoracic surgeries: Including congenital lung malformations and diaphragmatic defects.
Oncological surgery: Removal of tumors like Wilms’ tumor, neuroblastoma, and rhabdomyosarcoma.
Pediatric neurosurgery: Ventriculoperitoneal shunts and myelomeningocele repair.
Acknowledging the department’s achievements, Prof. (Dr.) Shakti Kumar Gupta praised the commitment of the pediatric surgical team:
“Our Pediatric Surgery Department represents AIIMS Jammu’s vision of excellence with empathy. The combination of cutting-edge technology, advanced training, and teamwork ensures that the best possible care is delivered within the region.”
With future priorities including minimally invasive pediatric surgery and greater academic collaborations, the department of Pediatric Surgery continues to stand as a beacon of progress, innovation, and compassionate care, ensuring that every child in Jammu and Kashmir receives world-class treatment close to home.DD
