Diplomat Correspondent
Jammu,DD, In a major medical milestone, doctors at AIIMS Vijaypur have performed their first successful microvascular onco-reconstructive surgery, marking a new era for advanced cancer treatment in Jammu and Kashmir.
The surgery was carried out on a 60-year-old woman, belonging to Budhi village of Kathua district, suffering from late-stage oral cancer. Following removal of the tumour along with part of the right cheek, palate, and upper jaw (maxilla), doctors reconstructed the defect using a microvascular free radial forearm flap. In simple terms, this involved carefully taking skin and soft tissue along with tiny blood vessels from the patient’s forearm, and reconnecting them under a microscope to blood vessels in the face and neck. This extremely delicate process restores both appearance and essential functions like swallowing and speech.
Microvascular surgery is considered one of the most challenging procedures in modern medicine. The blood vessels being stitched are barely a few mm in diameter, and the success of the surgery depends on precise suturing under high magnification, uninterrupted blood flow, and meticulous post-operative monitoring.
Such advanced surgeries are usually available only at select tertiary healthcare institutions in big cities. Until now, patients from Jammu had to travel to Delhi, Chandigarh, or other metros to undergo these life-saving reconstructions. This first success at AIIMS Vijaypur means patients can now access world-class cancer and reconstructive surgery much closer to home.
The milestone was achieved through seamless collaboration of the Onco-surgery team led by Dr Paras Khanna (Assistant Professor), the Plastic Surgery team led by Dr Rahul Gorka (Assistant Professor) and Dr Shavi Rayoo (Senior Resident), and the OMF Surgery team led by Dr Amanjot Kour(Assistant Professor).
The Anaesthesia and ICU team, including Dr Kanika, Dr Slomi (Assistant Professors), Dr Bharti, and Dr Swati (Senior Residents), under the supervision of Dr Sunana Gupta (Additional Professor & HOD), ensured patient safety during the marathon procedure. Nursing officers Aman, Ana and Nishtha provided vital intra-operative assistance. Post-operatively, the Patient had a smooth uneventful course and was discharged after complete recovery.
Prof. (Dr.) Shakti Kumar Gupta, Executive Director & CEO said, “This landmark case highlights the strength of multidisciplinary teamwork—where advanced Onco-surgical expertise, Microvascular precision, cutting-edge Anaesthesia, and coordinated post-operative care converge to deliver the best outcomes.” He congratulated the team, calling it “a proud moment that reflects AIIMS Vijaypur’s vision of bringing world-class surgical care closer to patients of this region”.
The vision of our esteemed ED & CEO for seamless inter-departmental clinical work, supported by world class surgical infrastructure using state of the art equipment in the operating theatres & ICUs has started bearing fruits. With this achievement, AIIMS Vijaypur sets a new benchmark for comprehensive oncological care in the region, reinforcing its commitment to excellence, innovation, and putting patients at the heart of its mission”, said the team of doctors involved in this case.DD
