Paras Health Srinagar achieves Kashmir’s first ICG guided axillary reverse mapping in breast cancer surgeries
Srinagar, Jan 22: Paras Health Srinagar has achieved a milestone in cancer care by successfully performing Kashmir’s first fluorescence-guided (Indocyanine Green dye–based) Reverse Axillary Mapping (RAM) during complete axillary nodal clearance in breast cancer surgery.
The advanced procedure was carried out at Paras Health Srinagar under the leadership of Dr Shabnam Bashir, Director – Surgical Oncology, marking a significant step forward in precision surgical oncology with a focus on reducing long-term complications and improving patient quality of life, as per a press release.
Breast cancer surgery often involves the removal of axillary lymph nodes, which can disrupt lymphatic drainage of the arm and lead to lymphedema, a chronic and potentially debilitating condition. ICG-guided Reverse Axillary Mapping addresses this challenge by enabling real-time visualisation of lymphatic pathways, allowing surgeons to distinguish lymph nodes draining the breast from those draining the arm. This precision supports selective preservation of arm-draining lymphatics while ensuring oncological safety.
Commenting on the success of introducing this cutting-edge technique in Kashmir, Dr Shabnam Bashir, Paras Health Srinagar, said, “The introduction of ICG-guided Reverse Axillary Mapping in Kashmir represents a paradigm shift in breast cancer surgery. Our goal is not only to cure cancer but also to minimize long-term morbidity and enhance survivorship. By preserving critical lymphatic drainage of the arm, we can significantly reduce the risk of lymphedema while ensuring complete oncological safety.”
Highlighting the institutional significance, Dr Murtaza Habib, Facility Director, Paras Health Srinagar, said, “This milestone reflects Paras Health’s commitment to bringing world-class, technology-driven healthcare to the people of Kashmir. The introduction of ICG fluorescence-guided surgery places Paras Health Srinagar among a select group of advanced cancer centres in the country and reinforces our focus on patient-centric, high-quality oncology care.”
ICG-guided Reverse Axillary Mapping allows surgeons to accurately map and remove breast-draining lymph nodes using fluorescence imaging and an additional dye, while preserving arm-draining lymphatics. This significantly reduces the risk of arm lymphedema, one of the most feared long-term complications of breast cancer surgery. With the introduction of ICG fluorescence technology, Paras Health Srinagar now stands among a limited number of advanced cancer centres in India offering this sophisticated surgical approach. This first-of-its-kind surgery marks a new era in breast cancer treatment in Kashmir and further strengthens Paras Health Srinagar’s growing capabilities in advanced surgical oncology.
