Srinagar: Doctors at Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Soura, have successfully carried out a marathon 11-hour surgery to remove a rare holocord intramedullary spinal cord tumour in an 18-year-old girl.
The operation ranks among the most complex spinal procedures ever undertaken in the region — and was performed entirely free of cost.
“The surgery required a 17-level laminoplasty followed by the delicate extraction of an intramedullary spinal cord tumour, a highly demanding technique attempted only in a few top neurosurgical centres,” the SKIMS PRO said.
According to the PRO, the patient is stable after the procedure and is showing promising neurological recovery.
The girl’s family expressed deep gratitude to the SKIMS administration and the medical team for performing the life-saving, first-of-its-kind surgery.
SKIMS Director & EOSG, Prof M Ashraf Ganie, praised the doctors for their remarkable accomplishment, noting that the 11-hour operation showcased the highest standards of skill, commitment, and coordination between the Neurosurgery and Anaesthesia departments.
“I congratulate the team for bringing honour to SKIMS. This reflects the institute’s core values: advanced, compassionate, and accessible healthcare for the people of Jammu & Kashmir,” he said.
The rare procedure, conducted at the Valley’s leading centre for advanced neurosurgery and tertiary care, has set a new benchmark in medical excellence.
The surgery was led by Dr Abrar Ahad Wani, Professor and Head of Unit, Department of Neurosurgery, supported by his dedicated surgical team.
The Anaesthesia team, headed by Dr Zulfikar Ali, provided continuous high-risk neuro-anaesthesia care throughout the 11-hour operation.
