Radiology Saving Lives

Aslam (name changed), a young male presented to the Emergency department of SMHS Hospital with a history of massive vomiting of blood. He was referred to the Radiology department where CT Angiography was performed to know the cause of the bleeding. A ruptured blood vessel supplying the stomach was diagnosed. The patient was immediately transferred to the DSA lab and the bleeding vessel was successfully blocked by our team of interventional radiologists using metallic coils passed through very fine catheters. The procedure effectively averted a potentially catastrophic outcome. The patient remained stable throughout the procedure and has since made an uneventful recovery.

Ahmad (name changed), an elderly male presented to the Urology department with abnormally raised blood PSA levels, suggesting a prostatic cancer. The patient was referred to the Radiology department where MRI of the prostate was performed which revealed a small suspicious cancerous nodule. As the nodule was not visible on Ultrasonography (USG), 3D fusion navigation USG technique was used to biopsy it. Biopsy report showed an early prostate cancer. The patient was put on treatment and is doing well.

 Zahida (name changed), a middle aged female noticed a lump in her breast. Out of shyness, she did not seek any medical attention. After a few months, she narrated her problem to her elder sister who convinced her to seek medical advice. Mammography (X-ray breast), stereotactic breast biopsy and MRI was performed in the Radiology department which showed an advanced breast cancer. She was given neoadjuvant chemotherapy, fought a good fight and is on follow up.

These stories, of which we have many every single day, not only highlight the critical role of Radiology in diagnosing and treating life-threatening conditions but also serve as a proof to the advancements in diagnostic and interventional radiology that have revolutionized patient care.

Radiodiagnosis and interventional radiology are crucial fields in health and medical science, providing essential support across almost all areas of medicine. They play a vital role in accurate diagnosis, effective treatment planning, comprehensive patient management, and follow-up care. This branch uses a range of imaging techniques—X-rays, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound, and nuclear medicine—that enable healthcare providers to visualize the body's internal structures, revealing conditions that physical exams might miss.

A significant modern advancement in this field is interventional radiology, which combines diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities in a minimally invasive approach. Using specialized equipment such as digital subtraction angiography (DSA), interventional radiology offers alternatives to traditional surgeries, allowing for precise diagnosis and treatment with minimal invasion.

Coming to the Post Graduate Department of Radio-diagnosis at Govt. Medical College Sgr, it caters to patients from all over the valley. Presently the department provides diagnostic and interventional services to all the associated hospitals of Government Medical College Srinagar including SMHS hospital, Superspeciality Hospital Shireen Bagh, LD Hospital, Chest Diseases Hospital Dalgate, Children Hospital Bemina, Bone and Joint Hospital Barzulla and Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences Kashmir (IMHANS).

The department provides 24x7 emergency imaging services and is equipped with a “State of Art” 256-Slice dual-source CT scanner (the first of its kind in the valley), a high-end biplane DSA lab, 3-Tesla MRI scanner, Digital Mammography with facilities of Tomosynthesis (3D Mammography), high end ultrasound doppler machines with the facility of 3D-fusion navigational biopsy, bone DEXA, besides others. Most of this equipment was procured under Prime Minister’s scheme after the devastating deluge of 2014, in which SMHS had lost all its equipment.

In addition to its clinical responsibilities, the department actively participates in research and academic activities. The department is successfully running MD Radiology program, BSc Radiology and Diploma radiology programs. Besides, it is actively involved in the training and education of undergraduate MBBS students.

The department has published numerous research papers in reputed medical journals, contributing to the advancement of knowledge in the field.

Moreover, the department engages in community outreach programs, participating in health camps organized by GMC Srinagar in remote areas of the valley. This commitment to serving the community further emphasizes the vital role of radiology in enhancing public health.

At Government Medical College, Srinagar, and its affiliated hospitals, we encourage the community to make use of our essential radiology services. Our team is here to support patients through screenings for various cancers, diagnostic tests, and follow-up care. We aim to ensure everyone in the community is aware of the resources available in the Department of Radio-diagnosis at SMHS Hospital. At Government Medical College, Srinagar, we provide high-quality care and guide patients at every step. Your health is our priority.

Radiology offers diagnostic, screening, and therapeutic services for numerous conditions. Importantly, radiology has transformed early disease detection, allowing diagnoses at the pre-symptomatic stage, which significantly impacts patient outcomes. Screening, particularly for conditions like breast cancer, is critical; the American Cancer Society recommends annual mammograms for women starting at age 45. Another vital screening is for osteoporosis, a silent condition that can lead to fractures. Bone DEXA scans help diagnose osteoporosis early, preventing complications.

The department extends its sincere gratitude to Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed Shah, Administrative Secretary of Health and Medical Education, and Prof. (Dr.) Iffat Hassan Shah, Principal of GMC Srinagar, for their steadfast support. Their leadership has been instrumental in enhancing our services and helping us better serve the community.

Prof (Dr) Majid Jahangir is Head Department of Radiodiagnisis, Govt medical College, Srinagar