Handwara: In a landmark achievement for Jammu and Kashmir’s healthcare sector, the Department of Surgery at Government Medical College (GMC) Handwara has successfully performed the Union Territory’s first Single-Incision Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy (SILS) using the advanced Dapri Technique. The minimally invasive surgery was performed on a 19-year-old female patient suffering from symptomatic cholelithiasis.
The procedure utilized state-of-the-art instruments developed by Prof. Giovanni Dapri, a globally acclaimed pioneer in single-incision laparoscopic surgery from Italy. This cutting-edge approach allows gallbladder removal through a single small incision, significantly reducing postoperative pain, hospital stay, and visible scarring while enabling faster patient recovery.
The surgery, as per Alfaaz – The Words, was led by Dr. Jan M. Rather, Assistant Professor and Senior Consultant, with the support of Dr. Muzaffer and Dr. Asif from the Department of Surgery. The Anaesthesia team, headed by Dr. Tahira, Associate Professor, along with Dr. Reyaz Qadri and the Operation Theatre staff, played a crucial role in ensuring the procedure’s smooth execution and success.
The team expressed deep gratitude to Prof. Dapri for his mentorship and invaluable guidance, and acknowledged the unwavering support of the Principal, GMC Handwara, FA/CAO, and Medical Superintendent, Associated Hospital GMC Handwara for fostering an environment of surgical innovation and excellence.
This pioneering achievement marks a significant advancement in the field of minimally invasive surgery in Jammu and Kashmir. The feat evenly underscores GMC Handwara’s emergence as a leading institution committed to clinical excellence, advanced surgical training, and compassionate patient care.
