GMC Anantnag achieves milestone with first successful Whipple Procedure

Srinagar, June 29: In a first for Government Medical College (GMC) Anantnag, a team of doctors have successfully performed the Whipple procedure on an elderly patient.

“This complex and life-saving surgery was conducted by a team of surgeons including Dr. Khalid Basheer, Dr. Mujtaba, Dr. Manmohan, and Dr. Manzoor Parrey under the guidance of the Head of the Department of Surgery, Dr. Nazir Ahmad Wani. Post operatively patient is doing well,” read a handout, issued by the GMC Anantnag.

It said the Whipple procedure is a critical operation used to treat pancreatic cancer and other related diseases. “It involves the removal of the head of the pancreas, the duodenum, part of the bile duct, gallbladder, and part of the stomach. This intricate surgery demands high levels of skill, precision, and teamwork, all of which were demonstrated by our surgical and anaesthesia teams,” read the handout.

The anaesthesia team, consisting of Dr. Anjum Shamim, Dr Zafar Malik, Dr. Shayesta, Dr. Khalida, Dr. Showkat, and Dr. Andleeb, under the mentorship of Prof. (Dr) Rukhsana Najeeb, the Principal of GMC Anantnag and Professor of Anaesthesiology and Critical Care, played a vital role in ensuring the patient's safety and comfort throughout the procedure. Their expertise in managing the anaesthetic aspects of this complex surgery was instrumental in its successful completion, added the handout.

Given the patient's advanced age and multiple comorbidities, including hypertension, the anaesthesia team employed all advanced modalities for optimal care. This included the use of an epidural catheter for intraoperative and postoperative pain management, central arterial and central venous pressure monitoring, all under general anaesthesia.

“The surgery, which spanned over 6-7 hours, was executed with the highest levels of meticulous skill by our dedicated doctors, technicians, and support staff,” read the handout.

Prof. (Dr) Rukhsana Najeeb, having more than 25 years of experience in Anaesthesiology and Critical Care at Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar, provided invaluable support and guidance throughout the procedure.

"This landmark achievement is a significant step forward for GMC Anantnag and the healthcare services in our region. It demonstrates our ability to undertake complex medical procedures and reinforces our commitment to advancing medical education and patient care," stated Prof. (Dr) Rukhsana Najeeb.